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1957 Map of Rafter

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Rafter
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Cherokee National Forest dominates this topographic survey of the Monroe County backcountry, where the Tellico River flows past Tellico Ch and under the shadows of Turkeypen Mountain. The landscape is defined by the steep ridges of Red Mountain and Miller Ridge, punctuated by high points like Peaky Top. Small settlements and social centers are tucked into the valleys, including the community of Rafter near Friends Ch and the northern pocket of Tariffville along Tanyard Branch.

The mapping reveals a network of rural institutions essential to mountain life in the mid-20th century. Local landmarks like the Ballplay Sch and Oak Grove Ch are joined by several cemeteries, including Farris Chapel Cem and Williamsburg Cem. The rugged terrain is further evidenced by names like Hells Hole Gap and Hells Hole Branch, while the Stratton Ballplay Road provides one of the few primary routes through this section of the Cherokee Wildlife Management Area.