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2000 Map of Fontana Dam

Name: 2000 Topographic Map of Fontana Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2001
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2001

About this map

Fontana Dam stands as the central engineering marvel on this map, controlling the waters of the Little Tennessee River to create the expansive Fontana Lake and Cheoah Lake. Developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, the area around Fontana Village reflects a landscape transitioned from early industry and settlement to a recreational and conservation hub within the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Evidence of the region's earlier human history remains through landmarks such as the Fontana Copper Mine and the Rymer Ferry site. Genealogists can locate family burial grounds including Payne Cem and Jenkins Cem, while hikers can trace the original paths of the Appalachian Trail and Benton Mackaye Trail. The map also captures infrastructure like the Santeetlah Power House and the Lookout Tower atop Shuckstack, illustrating the intersection of utility and wild mountain terrain.