1935 Map of Middle Fox Creek

About this map

Iron Mountain and the surrounding high country of the Unaka National Forest dominate this 1935 advance sheet, compiled from aerial photography by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Geological Survey. The map focuses on a specific stretch of the Smyth and Grayson county line during the early years of the Appalachian Trail. This early survey work captures the primitive infrastructure of the region before significant modern development, emphasizing natural gaps and drainage patterns. Notable landmarks include the crossing at Houndshell Gap and the watercourse of Houndshell Branch, while the curious name Hemp Patch suggests a history of localized cultivation or naming traditions in these mountain hollows. The presence of the Appalachian Trail as a primary feature reflects the era's emerging focus on conservation and recreational infrastructure in the Blue Ridge.