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1979 Map of Avondale

Name: 1979 Topographic Map of Avondale
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Clinch Mountain and Copper Ridge dominate the landscape in this portion of Grainger and Claiborne counties, creating a series of parallel valleys that have historically dictated the region's settlement patterns. The topography is defined by the massive reservoirs of Norris Lake to the northwest and Cherokee Lake to the southeast, both products of the Tennessee Valley Authority's mid-century hydroelectric and flood control projects. Between these waters, small farming communities and family-named landmarks endure along the narrow corridors of Richland Valley and Poor Valley.

Genealogists will find a high density of rural burial sites, including the Batman Cem, Atkins Cem, and McGinnis Harrell Cem, often located near crossroads such as Condry and Idol. The prominence of the Avondale Lookout Tower on the ridge reflects the vital forestry management required for these heavily wooded slopes. This area remains largely defined by the tension between the natural ridges and the man-made lakes that reshaped the lowland economies of Rutledge and Avondale.