Note: In March 2018, a researcher wrote in to state the following: "...when Hamilton was expanded to include land previously held by the Cherokee and when Bradley County was formed, it shows the current line between the two counties. In fact, Hamilton County originally followed White Oak Mountain to the GA line, which left Apison, Howardville and other parts east in Bradley County. When James County was formed, those communities of Bradley County withdrew to join with the eastern strip of Hamilton County to form James County; however, when James County was dissolved, all of its territory went to Hamilton County, including the portion previously in Bradley County."
Source: Donnelly, P. W., & East Tennessee Historical Society. (1983). James County: A lost county of Tennessee. Ooltewah, Tenn: Old James County Chapter, East Tennessee Historical Society.