Newton and Emily Susan (nee Corbin) Nicholson
Home along Hannah run in Nicholson Hollow in Rappahannock County. Newton Nicholson purchased the 32 acre tract of land on which the house was located in 1902 and the house was likely built shortly after that date. It was destroyed by fire in 2000, along with the remains of an adjacent log barn. Newton was a son of Hiram and Louisa Nicholson, Hiram was a son of Jesse Nicholson who was a son of Aaron and Nancy Nicholson (this is the ‘other’ Aaron Nicholson who had land in the Hannah Run part of Nicholson Hollow in the early 19th century, not the Aaron Nicholson of upper Nicholson Hollow who is the one libeled by George Freeman Pollock and the one everyone remembers). This Aaron was a son of John and Anne Nicholson who were the first Nicholsons to enter the hollow.
Photo by Audrey Horning
Finnell Corbin
This is the site of what is probably the most over-used image from Arthur Rothstein, which is the one of Finnell Corbin on his porch. Finnell was the first to move up into Corbin Hollow, purchasing a 25 acre plot of land. This was land originally cleared by Jefferson Jenkins then sold by Jenkins to Hamilton Sisk, Hamilton’s Sisk’s daughter Jane sold to Finnell Corbin. Unfortunately, the transaction was not officially recorded because Jenkins had never established legal title to the land. It’s my belief that Finnell Corbin may have move up into Corbin Hollow because of the proximity to Skyland and to wage employment. His children subsequently built homes in the hollow and worked at Skyland, and were exploited by Pollock in his efforts to encourage the removal of mountain residents by parading their poverty (for which he bore some responsibility).
Photo by Audrey Horning
This abandoned truck provides evidence that the mountain communities possessed more modern technology and access to transportation than is often assumed. The presence of a motor vehicle illustrates that many residents were connected to the broader economy and embraced technological advancements of their time. Artifacts such as this help challenge common stereotypes about mountain life and offer a more complete understanding of the communities that once lived in these mountains.
This image shows a concrete water trough that once served the residents of the mountain community. Structures such as these provided a reliable source of water for livestock and daily household needs. The trough reflects the ingenuity and hard work of the families who lived in the mountains, as well as the permanent improvements they made to their farms and homesteads.
This image shows Bolem Cemetery, one of the historic cemeteries associated with the mountain communities that once existed in the area. Cemeteries like Bolem Cemetery hold deep significance for descendants, serving as places of remembrance and connection to family history. They preserve the names, stories, and legacies of those who lived in the mountains and provide an important link between present-day families and their ancestors.
This old chimney is one of the remaining physical reminders of a former mountain homestead. Often the last structure left standing after a house has disappeared, the chimney symbolizes the families who once lived, worked, and raised their children in these mountains. Today, it serves as a tangible connection to the past and helps preserve the history of the communities that once called this area home.
This photograph shows the former home site of Edgar Lee Frazer near the Thornton River. The home was part of the mountain community that existed before the establishment of Shenandoah National Park. Sites such as this provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the families who lived in the area, worked the land, and built lasting communities. Today, the remains of these homesteads help preserve the history and heritage of the people who once called these mountains home.
This photograph shows a group gathered at the Bolen House, a place that served as a center of family and community life in the mountains. Gatherings such as these reflect the strong social connections that existed among residents, who relied on one another for support, fellowship, and shared experiences. Images like this help preserve the stories of the people who lived in these communities and provide a personal connection to their history.
This photograph shows the Harrell Homeplace, one of the many family homesteads that once stood in the mountains before the establishment of Shenandoah National Park. Homes like this served as the center of family life, where generations lived, worked, and contributed to their communities. The Harrell Homeplace represents the resilience, self-sufficiency, and strong family ties that characterized mountain life and helps preserve the memory of those who once called this area home.
This photograph shows Henry Lewis “Billy” Johnson plowing a field in Rappahannock County around 1900. The image provides a glimpse into the agricultural practices that supported mountain families and communities at the turn of the twentieth century. Farming was central to daily life, requiring hard work, knowledge of the land, and cooperation among family members. Historic photographs such as this help preserve the stories of the individuals who lived and worked in the region and offer insight into the area's rural heritage.
This photograph depicts huckleberry picking, an activity that was an important part of life in the mountain communities. Families gathered wild huckleberries for food, preserves, and sometimes additional income. Seasonal activities such as berry picking connected residents to the natural landscape and helped sustain households throughout the year. Images like this highlight the resourcefulness of mountain families and their close relationship with the land.
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This photograph shows Billy Johnson’s sawmill, an important part of the local mountain economy. Sawmills provided lumber for homes, barns, fences, and other structures, supporting both individual families and the broader community. The presence of a sawmill demonstrates the skill, entrepreneurship, and resourcefulness of mountain residents, who utilized the region’s natural resources to build and sustain their way of life. Images such as this help illustrate the economic activity and industry that existed within these mountain communities.
This photograph features Saddie E. Cannon and the Hull School, showing education in some of the mountain communities. Schools served not only as places of learning but also as centers of community life, where children gained knowledge and families gathered for events and activities. Images such as this help preserve the stories of the students and educators who contributed to the growth and development of these close-knit communities.
This photograph shows Dunkard Church in Atkinstown, a place of worship that served as an important center of spiritual and community life for local residents. Churches were often gathering places where families came together for worship, fellowship, celebrations, and support during difficult times. The Dunkard Church reflects the strong faith traditions and close-knit relationships that helped shape life in the mountain communities and remains an important reminder of the area's cultural heritage.
This photograph shows Schwartz’s Mill in Sycamore Hollow, a vital part of the local mountain community. Mills played an essential role in daily life, providing services such as grinding grain into flour and meal for area families. Beyond their practical function, mills often served as gathering places where neighbors exchanged news and strengthened community ties. Images of Schwartz’s Mill help preserve the history of the people, businesses, and traditions that once supported life in these mountain communities.
This photograph shows a still located on Piney Run. Stills were used to produce distilled spirits and were a part of the economic and cultural life of some mountain communities. Often situated in remote areas near reliable water sources, these operations reflected the resourcefulness of local residents and their ability to make use of the natural resources available to them. Images such as this provide insight into the diverse ways mountain families supplemented their incomes and sustained their households.
Reference for the image in the header
Rothstein, A., photographer. (1935) Fennel Corbin. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. United States Shenandoah National Park Virginia, 1935. Oct. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2017758873/.