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1940 Map of Santeetlah Creek

Name: 1940 Topographic Map of Santeetlah Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest dominates this mountain landscape, preserving a stand of old-growth timber within the Nantahala National Forest. Recorded during a 1940 field examination, the map illustrates a transition between dedicated wilderness and the industrial activity of the era, most notably the Snowbird Logging RR winding along Snowbird Creek. The presence of the railroad indicates the importance of timber extraction in the Snowbird Mountains before these areas were further protected or developed.

Water management is central to the area's geography, with the southern fingers of Santeetlah Lake reaching into the valleys near Farley Cove. Small mountain communities and family landmarks are scattered throughout the difficult terrain, including McGuires, Wilson Cabin, and Dentons. Spiritual and social centers are represented by Mt Nebo Ch and Cedar Cliff Ch, while natural high points like Hooper Bald and Stratton Bald define the horizons of the Unicoi Mountains on the North Carolina border.