Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Overlooking Hazel Creek prior to Fontana Lake

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  • This view, looking southwest from near the mouth of Hazel Creek before Fontana Lake was created, was taken by “Doc” Kelly Bennett (1890-1974). The peak to right of center is High Top Mountain. Bennett was a prominent pharmacist in Swain County, NC. Owner of the Bryson City Drug Company, Bennett served as alderman and mayor of Bryson City, on the Swain County Board of Education, as well as several terms as NC State Senator and NC State Representative. He participated in numerous other initiatives and organizations. Known as the “Apostle of the Smokies,” Bennett was an instrumental figure in the movement to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was also an avid photographer, skillfully documenting a wide variety of people, places, and events in Swain County and the surrounding area.