Map of Z. T. Watkins farm at Ooltewah Junction, James County

Image 7 of 14

From TeVA description: On tracing paper, this map shows the Z. T. Watkins Farm at Ooltewah Junction in then-James County. Buildings include the depot, Watkins' store, residences, and barns. Also shown are roads, springs, creeks, and a railroad. On verso: "Ooltewah, Watkins Farm, bo[ugh]t by A. S. Ochs." // More information and large version available for free download --https://teva.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15138coll23/id/9869/rec/25

Maps are important for historical and genealogical research, but they are crucial for understanding the development of Bradley County across time. 

Maps of the region before the Cherokee Cession show important geographic and topographic landmarks.  County boundary maps show how the county formed from its parents as well as how it existed after its “child” counties were set off.

Researching Bradley County land ownership presents a situation somewhat unique in East Tennessee:  land is described in both metes-and-bounds and townships/ranges/sections, depending on the record.

This is a small selection of maps that will, we hope, provide researchers with a starting point.  One can never have too many maps!