1946 Map of Bat Cave

About this map

Hickorynut Gap serves as a prominent mountain passage in this mid-century landscape where Buncombe, Henderson, Rutherford, and Polk counties converge. The rugged topography is defined by the Blue Ridge Divide, separating the Tennessee Valley from the upper reaches of the Broad River. Local life centers around the small settlements of Bat Cave and Edneyville, with numerous country houses of worship like St Pauls Ch and Mt Moriah Ch dotting the winding roads. The geography reveals a transition from agricultural activity near Maxwell Mill to the steeper elevations of Bearwallow Mtn. Notable landmarks of the era include the Lookout Tower and a dedicated FAA Tracking Station situated atop Sugarloaf Mtn. This document captures the complex hydrology of the region, from the dramatic Cascades and Rainbow Falls to the various creeks that feed into the Hungry River.