1947 Map of Highlands

About this map

Highlands serves as the focal point of this 1946 field study, situated atop a high plateau within the Nantahala National Forest. The town's mid-century character is defined by its recreational and residential infrastructure, including the Highlands Country Club and the clustered waters of Mirror Lake and Harris Lake. To the west, the Cullasaja River carves through the terrain, passing landmark cataracts such as Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls near the Vanhook Wayside Park. The survey captures a landscape of steep peaks like Satulah Mtn and Shortoff Mtn transitioned by gaps and knobs, illustrating the topographic isolation that shaped this mountain community. Genealogists and local historians will find significant detail in the rural outskirts, where the Horse Cove Cem and Highlands Cem are documented alongside country institutions like Shortoff Ch and Clear Creek Sch near the southern boundary with Georgia.