Iconic photo of George Masa ID’d
The photograph, depicting Masa on a rock outcrop with his camera and a companion, was previously believed to have been taken at Graybeard Mountain. Recent findings confirm that the actual location is Blackstack Cliffs in the Cherokee National Forest. Donated photos
The true location of one of the most iconic photographs of George Masa has been accurately identified. The photograph, depicting Masa on a rock outcrop with his camera and a companion, was previously believed to have been taken at Graybeard Mountain. Recent findings confirm that the actual location is Blackstack Cliffs in the Cherokee National Forest.
Charlie Boss, an Asheville-based photographer originally from Greeneville, Tennessee, approached David Huff, founder of the George Masa Foundation, with an exciting possibility. Intrigued by this idea, Huff grabbed his own camera and set out to investigate. “When I stepped out onto the cliffs, I knew immediately that this was the spot,” said Huff.
Donated photo
Huff recreated the shot by guessing where the person who took the photo, most likely Hugo Strongmiller, had stood, successfully capturing the same perspective as the original photograph.
George Masa arrived in Asheville in 1915 as Masahara Iizuka, a Japanese immigrant whose work was instrumental in mapping the Appalachian Trail and advocating for the preservation of the Great Smoky Mountains. His dedication to capturing the natural beauty of the region and his conservation efforts have left an indelible mark on American landscape photography and environmental advocacy.
