1940s Maps of Swain County, North Carolina
Explore 19 historic maps of Swain County from the 1940s. These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1940s — showing old roads, neighborhoods, homes, and landmarks that have changed or disappeared over time.
Whether you're researching your family's past, planning a metal detecting trip, or studying how Swain County's landscape evolved across the 1940s, these high-resolution maps are a powerful tool for exploring the history of this region.
- Focus on a specific era: All maps on this page are from the 1940s, giving you a focused view of this time period.
- See what’s changed: Compare century-old streets, trails, and buildings to today's modern landscape using overlays and satellite layers.
- Research with precision: Use these maps for genealogy, historical research, land use analysis, or educational projects.
- View, download, or print: Maps are fully viewable online in high resolution, and can be downloaded or printed for your own records.
Start exploring Swain County's history through authentic maps from the 1940s. This is your window into the past.
Swain County, NC maps
(19)- 1940 Map of Wesser
1940 Wesser1940 Print · USGSThe Nantahala Gorge and the winding Little Tennessee River define this high-country landscape as it appeared in the early 1940s. Genealogists can trace family footprints at Watia Ch, Tabor Cem, and mountain schools like Hightower Sch.2 unique versions available - 1940 Map of Whittier
1940 Whittier1940 Print · USGSWestern North Carolina's high mountain valleys and Cherokee lands are meticulously documented in the years before mid-century. Genealogists and local historians can trace family locations near Whittier, the Cherokee Indian Sch, and numerous mountain burial sites like Union Hill Cem.2 unique versions available - 1940 Map of Judson
1940 Judson1940 Print · USGSSwain County's river valleys appear here just before the completion of the Fontana Dam transformed the landscape. Genealogists can locate family landmarks like Woody Cem and Monteith Cem or trace the old Southern Railway through the now-submerged town of Judson. - 1940 Map of Fontana, 1956 Print
1940 Fontana1956 Print · USGSThe Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest meet here just before the era of massive dam projects changed the valley forever. Researchers can trace the Appalachian Trail through the ridges or find the Fontana Copper Mine and Rymer Ferry.2 unique versions available - 1940 Map of Tapoco, 1956 Print
1940 Tapoco1956 Print · USGSThe Tennessee and North Carolina borderlands come alive in the 1940s as hydroelectric power and federal forest conservation reshape the mountains. Trace historic family sites and early infrastructure including Orr Cemetery, Beers School, and the Calderwood Dam.5 unique versions available - 1940 Map of Bryson, 1957 Print
1940 Bryson1957 Print · USGSSwain County's river valleys and ridgelines are captured here just as Fontana Lake was reshaping the landscape. Researchers can locate family landmarks like Watkins Cem, the Southern Railway line, and the Cherokee Indian Reservation Qualla Tract. - 1940 Map of Greens Creek, 1957 Print
1940 Greens Creek1957 Print · USGSIn the early 1940s, these North Carolina mountain communities were connected by high gaps and winding creek forks. Local historians can trace the foundations of Pumpkintown or locate rural landmarks like Greens Creek Sch and the Lookout Tower on Cowee Bald.6 unique versions available - 1940 Map of Alarka, 1957 Print
1940 Alarka1957 Print · USGSThe high ridges of Swain and Macon Counties meet here in the 1940s, showing the isolated communities of the Nantahala range. Genealogists can trace family names at Brendle Cem, the Etna post office, and old schools like Brush Creek Sch.4 unique versions available - 1940 Map of Proctor, 1958 Print
1940 Proctor1958 Print · USGSSwain County is captured in 1940 as the Little Tennessee River valley prepares for the rising waters of the new reservoir. Researchers can trace the original locations of Proctor, Marcus, and Dorsey alongside family landmarks like Pilkey Cem and Fairview Sch. - 1940 Map of Hewitt, 1958 Print
1940 Hewitt1958 Print · USGSWestern North Carolina's high mountain gaps and river gorges are captured here during a period of significant hydroelectric and forest service development. Researchers can trace the early Appalachian Trail or locate family sites like Jenkins Cem, Rowlin Sch, and the riverside station at Hewitt.6 unique versions available - 1941 Map of Fontana
1941 Fontana1941 Print · USGSThe North Carolina mountains meet the Tennessee Valley in this early wartime survey of Graham County and the Smokies. Genealogists and hikers can trace the Appalachian Trail, locate the Fontana Copper Mine, and find the Yellow Creek Cem. - 1941 Map of Alarka
1941 Alarka1941 Print · USGSThe peaks and river bends of the Nantahala Mountains come into focus in the early 1940s, marking the border of Swain and Macon counties. Researchers can locate local landmarks like Etna, Mc Coy Bridge, and family burial grounds including Brendle Cem. - 1941 Map of Bryson
1941 Bryson1941 Print · USGSSwain County's mountain landscape was at a crossroads in the early 1940s as public lands and tribal territories converged around the Tuckasegee River. Genealogists and historians can trace numerous family sites like Watkins Cem, Spruce Grove Ch, and the settlements of Ela and Governors Island.2 unique versions available - 1941 Map of Tapoco
1941 Tapoco1941 Print · USGSThe Little Tennessee River border between North Carolina and Tennessee is captured here during the 1940s buildup of hydroelectric power. Genealogists and hikers can trace the Appalachian Trail through Deals Gap or locate remote sites like Beers Sch and Orr Cem. - 1941 Map of Judson
1941 Judson1941 Print · USGSSwain County's river valleys and mountain gaps are documented here just before the era of major hydroelectric flooding. Researchers can trace vanished homesites, family cemeteries like Woody Cem, and defunct mountain schools including Round Hill Sch and Noland Creek Sch. - 1941 Map of Hewitt
1941 Hewitt1941 Print · USGSGraham County and the Nantahala Gorge are captured here in the early 1940s as new hydroelectric infrastructure began to reshape the mountain landscape. Researchers can trace the Southern Railway past Beechertown or locate historic sites like Jenkins Cem and Hewitt Ch. - 1941 Map of Proctor
1941 Proctor1941 Print · USGSSwain and Graham Counties are shown here in the early 1940s, as the Southern railroad still tracked the winding Little Tennessee River. Genealogists can locate family landmarks like Proctor Cem, Fairview Sch, and the remote settlement of Japan. - 1941 Map of Whittier
1941 Whittier1941 Print · USGSThe Tuckasegee and Oconaluftee rivers converge in this pre-war survey of Jackson and Swain Counties. Local historians can trace the Southern railroad line through Whittier or locate family roots at Union Hill Cem and the Cherokee Indian Sch.2 unique versions available - 1941 Map of Greens Creek
1941 Greens Creek1941 Print · USGSJackson County and the edges of the Great Smokies are captured here just before the mid-century, centered on the Tuckasegee River corridor. Researchers can locate early mountain schools and churches like Greens Creek School, Gay, and the Eagle Cem.
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