1938 Map of Fowler Bend

About this map

The Hiwassee River and Nottely River converge near Murphy in this mapping of the North Carolina and Tennessee borderlands. This 1930s landscape shows the transition from mountain farming and local commerce, evidenced by Radford Mill and Dockery Store, toward the modernized utility represented by the Nottely Dam. The terrain is marked by the presence of the Murphy Indian Res Henson Donation and the vast Nantahala National Forest, which covers much of the high ground through the Unicoi Mountains. Genealogists will find a wealth of local landmarks, including family-named churches like Harris Chapel and several community centers such as Grape Creek Sch and Mt Nebo Sch. The Louisville & Nashville RR traces the river valleys, providing a vital link for timber and agricultural transport between remote settlements like Unaka and the larger hub of Murphy.