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1942 Map of Wear Cove

Name: 1942 Topographic Map of Wear Cove
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1942
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1942

About this map

Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies the southern half of this mid-century survey, where the Little River carves a deep gorge through the mountains. The landscape is defined by the contrast between the flat, settled lands of Tuckaleechee Cove and Wear Cove, and the steep ridges like Bates Mountain and Hatcher Mountain. This 1941 field revision captures the rural infrastructure of Blount and Sevier Counties, documenting numerous small community hubs such as Coker Hill School and Wearwood School.

Settlement patterns follow the valley floors and gaps, with family-named landmarks such as Brickey Cem and Hatcher Cem anchoring the local geography. The map traces the winding course of the Little River Gorge and its various tributaries, including Pounding Mill Br and Sweetwater Br. These details provide a look at the mountain communities near Townsend and Hatchertown before further modern development altered the valley access points.