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1957 Map of Knoxville

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Knoxville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

The Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding highlands of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina dominate this mid-century regional survey. From the urban center of Knoxville to the gateway of Asheville, the landscape is defined by its massive peaks and artificial lakes. High points like Clingmans Dome and Mt Mitchell anchor the topography, while the impounded waters of Douglas Lake and Fontana Lake mark the era's significant hydroelectric and recreational developments.

Transit networks are shown at a point of transition, featuring established rail lines like the Southern Railway and the early reaches of Interstate 40. Smaller settlements such as Gatlinburg, Waynesville, and Sylva provide essential points of orientation for researchers tracking the growth of mountain communities before the major expansion of modern tourism. The map also delineates the extensive boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest, illustrating the vast amount of land preserved under federal management.