John Howe (Australian settler)

John Howe (1774-1849) was an early explorer, pastoralist, and road builder in New South Wales, Australia. He is best known for his exploration of the Hunter River region and for establishing a route from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, which significantly opened up the area for settlement and agriculture.

Howe was born in Parramatta, New South Wales, the son of two First Fleet convicts. He became a successful farmer and grazier in the Windsor area. Driven by the desire to expand his grazing lands and open up new territories, Howe embarked on several expeditions into the largely unexplored Hunter Valley.

In 1819, Howe led a party that successfully charted a land route from Windsor to the Hunter River. This involved traversing difficult terrain including the rugged mountains of the Great Dividing Range. The route, initially a rough bush track, was gradually improved and became known as Howe's Track or Howe's Road. This road provided a vital link between Sydney and the rich agricultural lands of the Hunter Valley, facilitating the transport of goods and encouraging further settlement.

Howe's exploration and road-building efforts were highly regarded by the colonial government, and he received land grants in recognition of his services. He established a property in the Hunter Valley and continued to be involved in the development of the region. He is considered a significant figure in the history of New South Wales due to his contributions to exploration, infrastructure, and agricultural expansion. He died in 1849.