1942 Map of Leicester

About this map

The French Broad River carves a significant course through the northern portion of this 1942 survey, where the Southern railroad follows the water's edge past Volga and Bailey Bend. This rural landscape, straddling the Madison and Buncombe county line, is defined by a dense network of mountain communities and family-named landmarks. The village of Leicester serves as a local hub, anchored by the Leicester School and the Dixie Highway which cuts through the southern valley. Cultural life in the mid-century is evidenced by the high concentration of country churches such as Gudger Chapel, Newfound Church, and Macedonia Church. Topographical relief is prominent, with the Pisgah National Forest boundary reaching toward Grassy Knob, while numerous branches like Sluder Branch and Turkey Creek dictate the placement of farms and cemeteries, including the Sluder Cem.