1960 Map of Little Switzerland

About this map

The Little Switzerland resort area straddles the boundary between Mitchell Co and McDowell Co, defined by the winding course of the Blue Ridge Parkway along the crest. This map reveals a complex vertical landscape where the mountain tourism of the heights meets the industrial and agricultural reality of the valleys. To the east, the Clinchfield railroad threads through a series of tunnels below Swafford Gap, while the North Fork Catawba River carves through the southern terrain toward Woodlawn. Local genealogy is anchored by numerous small landmarks like Chestnut Grove Ch and the Collis Cem near Laurel Lake. The transition from the Pisgah National Forest to the Pisgah Game Lands illustrates the region's mid-century management as a protected mountain landscape.