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1939 Map of Bald Creek

Name: 1939 Topographic Map of Bald Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

Bald Mountains and the Unicoi Mountains dominate this landscape along the Tennessee and North Carolina border, where the Appalachian Trail follows the high ridgeline past Big Bald and Big Stamp. The topography is defined by steep ridges like Hensley Ridge and Hughes Ridge, which channel numerous branches into the Cane River. Along the river valley, small communities and post offices such as Lewisburg, Bee Log, and Cane River (P.O.) serve as centers of local life, connected by winding mountain roads.

Evidence of established mountain homesteads is found in the distribution of family burial grounds and country churches, including Edwards Cem, Fender Cem, and Harmony Ch. The map captures a transitional period in these highlands, documenting the presence of the Cherokee National Forest and naming distinctive local landmarks like Thunderstruck Knob, Slickrock Knob, and the curiously named Possumtrot.