Motoring through the Mountains - 1930s

In 1939, the North Carolina State Highway and Public Works Commission (Raleigh, N.C.) issued its official map of “North Carolina Highways,” which illustrates changes in transportation as well as changes in the cultural and environmental landscape. Here, Cheoah Lake at Tapoco may be seen, although the future Lake Glenville and Lake Fontana are not yet represented. A number of communities on the “Highways” map were listed on earlier maps, but now have been relegated to lesser routes by road construction; meanwhile, communities such as Cherokee have become major destinations. The newly realized Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on this map, along with such prominent features as Gregory Bald, Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte, and Mt. Guyot. Finally, a trace outline of the Blue Ridge Parkway is visible on the map.

Motoring through the Mountains is the third geographically based timeline with illustrations of the region as it was in the 1930s.

1. Murphy
2. Regal
3. Andrews
4. Topton
5. Nantahala
6. Hewitt
7. Almond 		8. Whiting
9. Bushnell
10. Forney
11. Bryson
12. Whittier (& side trip to Cherokee)
13. Wilmot
14. Dillsboro
15. Sylva
16. Beta
17. Addie
18. Willits
19. Balsam
20. Hazelwood
21. Waynesville
22. Tuscola
23. Clyde
24. Canton
25. Candler
26. Asheville (& side trip to Mt. Mitchell)
27. Biltmore

Want to travel more? Follow wagon trails in the 1890s or Take the train in the 1910s.

Disclaimer: The items in this site are presented as part of the historical record and include historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place, including terminology that may not be deemed appropriate today.