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1946 Map of Big Ridge

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Big Ridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Nantahala National Forest dominates this topographic survey of Jackson County, showcasing a complex network of ridges and watercourses immediately following World War II. The landscape is defined by the Tuckasegee River and its west fork, which carve through dramatic terrain features like Bonas Defeat and The Dismal. Small mountain communities and family settlements are marked by landmarks such as the Big Ridge Ch and the Rock Bridge Sch, reflecting the rural character of the Blue Ridge highlands during this era.

Water is a central theme, with numerous waterfalls including Onion Cliff Falls, Slatten Falls, and Schoolhouse Falls indicated alongside larger bodies like Fairfield Lake and Webb Lake. Local history is preserved in the names of peaks and gaps such as Beetree Knob, Isinglass Knob, and Buzzard Roost. The presence of Indian Place and Little Sheep Camp suggests traditional land uses and older settlements that persisted within the protected forest boundaries.