1961 Map of Wesser

About this map

Nantahala National Forest dominates this topographic survey, which captures the dramatic confluence of river and rail during the early 1960s. The Southern railroad follows the winding path of the Nantahala River through the narrow Nantahala Gorge, passing through mountain communities like Wesser and Almond. The landscape is defined by the backwaters of Fontana Lake and the Little Tennessee River, which carve deep valleys between high points such as Wesser Bald and De Hart Bald. Evidence of early Appalachian settlement is preserved in the numerous family-named landmarks and remote places of worship, including Silver Creek Church and Nantahala Ch. Genealogists may find value in the specific locations of upland cemeteries like Windy Gap Cem and Brentwood Cem, while the Appalachian Trail is shown tracing the high ridges along the Swain and Graham county lines.