I'm about 40 miles north-northeast of atlanta and see some of those black locusts around.
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This is supposedly the native range although it isn't really known as I have seen black locust pretty far outside the shaded area.

Probably because there was no need for black locust in that area. Many of the established naturalized stands probably can be traced back to the CCC. But if you need such a tree, go ahead and plant some. They do have insect pests that shorten their life typically.

Attractive trees with nicely scented flowers (and very good for honey production: beekeepers love them), but beware of their very strong tendency to throw up hundreds of root sprouts, with thorny shoots.

I'd be very surprised if there are none in the area at all - outside of its native range, it is very widely considered an invasive weed.

Resin

Agreeing there. They grow rampantly in my area, and their seedlings need weeded as often as bird cherry (these are both natives) or even the dreaded exotic tree of heaven. So, it's even a weedy tree where it's native, but a lovely one. Be aware that the thorns on one can puncture a tractor tire and that it's actually toxic to livestock. It's used on farms here for fence posts because the wood is so resistant to rot.

I live near Winchester, VA and there are lots of these locust trees around. I have found a number of volunteers in my field and have transplanted them to nice places.

Weedy and invasive--no, not here. I would like to see more seedlings and sprouts. In my field the most common volunteer is white ash. Now if this were not native, everyone would be crying foul and calling it invasive.

Thorns a problem? I have heard this before, but they are relatively short and taper fast to a very thick base. I would be more concerned about honey locust thorns.

These trees grow very fast--upwards of 4 to 5 feet a year for a few years. They have a graceful form, have wonderfully fragrant white flowers in spring. The wood is so durable it will last three times as long as the heaviest gauge steel fence posts and easier to attach fence wire to--and stronger. And they are nitrogen fixing plants--both from roots and from leaf letter. I have seen white pines growing near black locust out-grow their peers by 20%.

And the wood is wonderful for treenware and other small wooden items--nice texture and color. I would love to find someone to make a nice rocking chair for me out of this wood. The main problem for me with these trees is the borers which degrade the lumber, and which at times can weaken the tree's resistance to breaking in storms. the wood in a post is as stiff and strong as any, but the trees themselves can break.

--Spruce