1940 Map of Fontana

About this map

The Little Tennessee River carves a deep path through this 1940 terrain, marking the boundary between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. Industry and infrastructure are evident in the landscape, from the Fontana Copper Mine in the north to the Santeetlah Power House and the Southern railroad line running along the riverbank. This survey documents the area just as major hydroelectric transformations were reshaping the region, shown by the existing Lake Cheoah and the Baging Station along the river.