1934 Map of Murphy

About this map

The confluence of the Hiwassee River and the Nottely River anchors this 1934 Tennessee Valley Authority study of western North Carolina. As the regional hub, Murphy is shown at a critical transition point where the Louisville and Nashville RR and Southern Ry meet, supporting a local economy built on mining and river transport. A notable Talc Mine sits near Kinsey, illustrating the industrial activity alongside traditional rural landmarks like Rogers Chapel and Bates Sch. The map reveals a landscape before major hydroelectric changes, marking the positions of Mill Dam and Nottely Dam. From the heights of Fort Butler Mtn to the small community at Regal Station, this survey documents the Cherokee County terrain during a period of significant infrastructure development by the TVA.