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1940 Map of Tapoco

Name: 1940 Topographic Map of Tapoco
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

Tapoco sits at a critical hydroelectric and mountain crossroads where the Little Tennessee River and Che Oah River are harnessed by a series of massive civil engineering projects. The landscape is defined by the industrial presence of the Calderwood Dam, Che Oah Dam, and Santeetlah Dam, along with an extensive Hydro-Electric Tunnel system that redirects water through the mountains.

Beyond the dams, the map reveals the deep-rooted settlement history of the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For genealogists, the presence of the Orr Cem, Farley Cem, and Odom Cem alongside Bethel Ch and the Beers Sch provides evidence of the mountain communities that existed here before and during the development of the river. The Appalachian Trail winds across the high ridges, including Stratton Bald and Haoe, marking the intersection of conservation and wilderness management.