1941 Map of Alarka

About this map

Little Tennessee River winding through the Nantahala Mountains defines the geography of this early 1940s survey. The map documents a landscape of high summits and deep coves on the border of Swain and Macon counties. Small communities and family landmarks are concentrated along the watercourses, particularly near Alarka and the post offices at Etna and Wests Mill. Genealogy researchers will find numerous family-named burial sites including Morgan Cem, Cochran Cem, and Shepherd Cem. Infrastructure of the era is captured at Mc Coy Bridge and several local schools like Brush Creek Sch and White Oak Sch. The heavy contouring illustrates the steep rise from the riverbanks to peaks such as Pinnacle Knob and Blackrock Knob, much of which is contained within the Nantahala National Forest.