1940 Map of Alarka

About this map

Nantahala National Forest dominates the landscape of western North Carolina in this 1940 survey, where the peaks of the Cowee Mountains separate the valley of Alarka Creek from the southward flow of the Little Tennessee River. Small mountain communities and family-named landmarks are scattered throughout the drainages, including the settlements of Etna and Wests Mill. The transition from the high ridges of Scott Knob and Blackrock Knob to the river bottoms reveals a traditional Appalachian settlement pattern defined by local institutions like Cochran Ch, Alarka Sch, and the Snow Hill Ch.