2022 Map of Howard Quarter

About this map

Howard Quarter sits at a crossroads of Appalachian geography where the boundaries of Claiborne, Grainger, and Hancock counties converge. This 2022 survey reveals a landscape defined by parallel ridges and fertile valleys, most notably Caney Valley and the Indian Creek Valley. The intricate network of family cemeteries, including Lynch Cem, Pearson Cem, and Barnard Cem, indicates deep-rooted ancestral settlements throughout the hollows. To the north, Newman Ridge and the Butt of Newmans Ridge loom over the terrain, while the Clinch River carves a winding path through Condry Bend at the southwestern corner. The map documents the persistence of small communities like Ritchie and the complex drainage of Big Sycamore Creek, illustrating how local roads like Upper Caney Valley Rd and Lower Caney Valley Rd still follow the natural contours of the valley floors.