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1957 Map of Topton

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Topton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The Nantahala Dam and its resulting reservoir, Nantahala Lake, dominate the central landscape of this 1950s survey of western Macon and Cherokee counties. This high-elevation water system, supported by the Dicks Creek Dam, reflects the mid-century hydroelectric development managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Along the western edge, the Southern railroad line follows the narrow river valley through Topton and Rhodo, climbing toward Red Marble Gap.

The map reveals a deeply etched topography of high ridges including the Snowbird Mountains and Tusquitee Mountains. Scattered community life is anchored by local landmarks like Red Marble Church and Junaluska Ch, while the Nantahala National Forest and Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area preserve the surrounding wild lands. Researchers can trace historic routes like the Turnpike as they navigate between gaps and balds like Potrock Bald.