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1957 Map of Mecca

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Mecca
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Starr Mountain dominates this mid-century landscape in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, marking the rugged transition between McMinn, Monroe, and Polk Counties. The area's social history is anchored by a network of rural churches and cemeteries, such as Wesley Chapel and the Conasauga Cem, which reflect the tight-knit mountain communities of the era. The presence of White Cliff Springs and several named water sources like Bullet Creek Falls and Gentry Spring highlight the importance of the local hydrology to early settlement and recreation.

Transportation and resource management are evident through the National Forest Boundary and the many hollows like Beasley Hollow and Macedonia Hollow. Researchers can trace the layout of small settlements such as Mecca and find family-named landmarks including Cartwright Knob and Daugherty Knob. The map also identifies the Lookout tower on Starr Mountain, a critical point for the Cherokee Wildlife Management Area.