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1940 Map of Hot Springs

Name: 1940 Topographic Map of Hot Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The French Broad River carves a deep valley through the Bald Mountains in this 1940 field examination, where the town of Hot Springs serves as a nexus for mountain travel and local industry. The river corridor is shared by the Southern Railway and the Dixie Highway, reflecting the area's importance as a transportation artery between North Carolina and Tennessee. The landscape is characterized by steep ridges like Deer Park Mountain and Rich Mountain, with many small settlements and family landmarks scattered along the creeks.

Social and civic life is anchored by several rural institutions, including Rollins Chapel Sch and Mountain View Sch, alongside the Odd Fellows Cem near the town center. The presence of CCC Camp No F 7 highlights Depression-era conservation work within the Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest. Hikers on the early Appalachian Trail would have passed through this rugged terrain, crossing the Deep Water Bridge and navigating gaps like Hurricane Gap.