1946 Map of Fork Mountain

About this map

Smoky Mountain and Arch Mountain dominate this mid-century look at the high-elevation Cumberland Plateau, where the boundaries of Scott, Morgan, Anderson, and Campbell counties meet. The landscape reflects a specialized industrial economy centered on logging and coal, evidenced by the Lumber Railroad snaking through the hollows and multiple Incline tracks leading to the New River. Small coal-mining and timber settlements like Mooretown and Fork Mountain are concentrated along the narrow valley floors, connected by the Emory River and Straight Fork Tennessee River. Local genealogy is anchored by the Reeves-Daugherty Cem, Patterson Cem, and Beech Grove Ch., which served families living in the shadows of Bird Mountain and Fork Ridge. Much of the southwestern portion is dedicated to the Morgan State Forest, preserving the wooded character of the Tennessee Valley divide.