1935 Map of Topton

About this map

The Nantahala National Forest serves as the backdrop for this mid-1930s landscape, where industry and federal relief efforts intersect. The Ritter Lumber RR and Southern RR dominate the transport corridors, with the lumber line following the tight bends of the Nantahala River and Choga Creek. Civil Conservation Corps activity is prominent, with both CCC Camp No F 13 and CCC Camp No F 10 established to manage the timberlands. Small mountain settlements like Topton, Aquone, and Wine are connected by a network of ridges and gaps, including Junaluska Gap and Wolf Gap. The presence of the Corundum No 3 mine near Topton reflects the area's geological value during the era, while the Topton Sch and various schoolhouses suggest the remote but established community structure in the Valley River and Tusquitee Mountains region.