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Old Maps of Highlands, North Carolina for Academic Research

Study the evolution of Highlands with 16 high-resolution historic maps. Whether you're teaching, researching, or modeling changes in land use, these maps provide essential visual documentation of urban, environmental, and geographic change.

  • Analyze long-term change: Track patterns in development, transportation, and natural features.
  • Ideal for environmental or urban studies: Support academic projects with primary historical map data.
  • Use in the classroom or lab: Educators and researchers rely on these maps to bring historical context to life.

These maps are a powerful tool for teaching, research, and visualizing how Highlands has changed over the decades.

Highlands, NC maps

(16)
  1. 1891 Map of Cowee
    1891 Map of Cowee
    1891 Cowee
    1891 Print · USGS
    Western North Carolina's high mountain reaches are captured here in the late nineteenth century as the railroad began to transform the region. Trace early transport routes like the Western North Carolina Railroad and Cowee Tunnel alongside old settlements at Franklin and Quallatown.
  4. 1897 Map of Cowee
    1897 Map of Cowee
    1897 Cowee
    1897 Print · USGS
    The Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge foothills appear here in the 1890s, when the railroad first began to penetrate the high gaps. Trace family roots and mountain industry through old settlements like Quallatown, Sylva, and the Cowee Tunnel engineering site.
    4 unique versions available
  7. 1907 Map of Cowee
    1907 Map of Cowee
    1907 Cowee
    1907 Print · USGS
    Western North Carolina at the turn of the century shows a landscape of rail-connected river towns and high mountain gaps. Genealogists can trace early homesteads and industry through landmarks like West Mill, Roanes Mill, and the many settlements along the Southern Railway.
    5 unique versions available
  10. 1935 Map of Highlands
    1935 Map of Highlands
    1935 Highlands
    1935 Print · USGS
    Highlands was already established as a prominent mountain destination in the mid-1930s, surrounded by the high peaks of the Blue Ridge. Genealogists and historians can trace old landmarks like Calloway Mill, the Highlands Country Club, and early hydroelectric sites like the Municipal Power Dam.
  13. 1946 Map of Highlands, 1954 Print
    1946 Map of Highlands, 1954 Print
    1946 Highlands
    1954 Print · USGS
    Highlands and the surrounding Nantahala heights are captured here just after the war, showing the mountain town alongside its developing reservoirs and backcountry roads. Genealogists and hikers can trace old landmarks like Clear Creek School, Horse Cove Cemetery, and the cascades of Dry Falls.
    5 unique versions available
  16. 1947 Map of Highlands
    1947 Map of Highlands
    1947 Highlands
    1947 Print · USGS
    The mountain town of Highlands is shown here just after the war, surrounded by the peaks and waterfalls of the Nantahala National Forest. Genealogists and hikers can trace the paths of the Ellicott Rock Trail and locate sites like Clear Creek Ch or the Horse Cove Cem.
    2 unique versions available
  19. 1955 Map of Knoxville
    1955 Map of Knoxville
    1955 Knoxville
    1955 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians and the Smoky Mountains are shown here at a peak of mid-century development and conservation. Genealogists and historians can trace the early road networks connecting Gatlinburg, Waynesville, and the Cherokee Indian Reservation across the high ridges.
  22. 1957 Map of Knoxville, 1966 Print
    1957 Map of Knoxville, 1966 Print
    1957 Knoxville
    1966 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians of Tennessee and North Carolina are mapped here during the mid-twentieth century as new highways reached the high country. Genealogists and historians can trace the topography between Knoxville and Asheville, locating family landmarks near Fontana Lake or along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
    4 unique versions available
  25. 1960 Map of Knoxville
    1960 Map of Knoxville
    1960 Knoxville
    1960 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians come alive in the 1950s, showing the intersection of new national park tourism and deep-rooted mountain industry. Trace old rail lines like the Clinchfield RR and find high-altitude landmarks from Mt Le Conte to the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
    2 unique versions available
  28. 1964 Map of Knoxville
    1964 Map of Knoxville
    1964 Knoxville
    1964 Print · USGS
    The Southern Appalachians and Great Smokies are captured here during the mid-sixties, showing the rugged borderlands of Tennessee and North Carolina. Researchers can trace historic mountain routes like U S 441, the expanse of Pisgah National Forest, and the growing footprints of Asheville and Knoxville.
  31. 1983 Map of Fontana Lake
    1983 Map of Fontana Lake
    1983 Fontana Lake
    1983 Print · USGS
    Western North Carolina's high peaks and reservoir-carved valleys are documented here during the early eighties. Genealogists and local historians can trace the mountain communities of Bryson City and Franklin or explore the boundaries of the Qualla Boundary.
    2 unique versions available
  34. 2011 Map of Highlands, 2011 Print
    2011 Map of Highlands, 2011 Print
    2011 Highlands
    2011 Print · USGS
    Covers Highlands, including Jackson County, Macon County, and other nearby areas
  37. 2013 Map of Highlands, 2013 Print
    2013 Map of Highlands, 2013 Print
    2013 Highlands
    2013 Print · USGS
    Covers Highlands, including Jackson County, Macon County, and other nearby areas
  40. 2016 Map of Highlands, 2016 Print
    2016 Map of Highlands, 2016 Print
    2016 Highlands
    2016 Print · USGS
    Covers Highlands, including Jackson County, Macon County, and other nearby areas
  43. 2019 Map of Highlands, 2019 Print
    2019 Map of Highlands, 2019 Print
    2019 Highlands
    2019 Print · USGS
    Covers Highlands, including Jackson County, Macon County, and other nearby areas
  46. 2022 Map of Highlands, 2022 Print
    2022 Map of Highlands, 2022 Print
    2022 Highlands
    2022 Print · USGS
    Highlands sits atop the crest of the Blue Ridge in the early 2020s, where the eastern continental divide meets the Georgia border. Trace local lineages at the Highlands Memorial Park Cem and explore the rugged landscape around Whiteside Mtn and Bridal Veil Falls.
End of results
Showing maps 1-16 of 16

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of historical maps available for Highlands?
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