A Short History of Gatlinburg, Tennessee
As you head into the Smoky Mountains in Eastern Tennessee, you'll pass through a well-known city, and you may wonder about the history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Native Americans were the first to pass through what was to be the Indian Gap Trail as they hunted wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.
In all likelihood, hunters and trappers from Europe probably traversed the area, and may have camped in the area now known as Gatlinburg.
The town's first settler was reported to be William Ogle, who came to the mountains from South Carolina.
He passed away shortly after finishing his cabin.
His widow came into the area and eventually her family would build a cabin that you can still see today.
In 1856, Gatlinburg erected their first post office, in a store owned by a man named Gatlin.
That's how the town was named.
In the Civil War, Gatlin sided with the Confederacy, even though most people in the area favored the Union.
Gatlin was forced out of the town that bore his name, even though the city would never side with anyone in the Civil War.
Some residents of the town joined the Confederacy and others went to the Union.
There was a great deal of hardship in the area, after the war.
A sawmill was built in 1900 in Gatlinburg, and the work brought more people to the area.
The locals made money by renting them cabins.
A hotel was also built, for lumber buyers who traveled through the area.
Shortly thereafter, tourists began visiting, after reading about the Smoky Mountains from popular authors of the day.
Before the loggers could over-harvest the area, Congress enacted the Weeks Act, in the year 1911, setting aside the land around Gatlinburg for a national forest, along with forest lands in other areas.
Gatlinburg is bordered on three sides by the mountains, and people have been drawn there since early American history, because of the beauty and allure of the area.
Tourism helped the town during the World Wars, although the town's growth was slowed by World War II.
After the war was over, the tourists began returning to the city.
The history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has been fairly well-documented, since so many people were drawn to the place, even long ago.
The wildlife that brought Native Americans to the area to hunt for food is also responsible for bringing many tourists through the town today.
There are historic buildings still standing in Gatlinburg, and they are reminders of its place in history.
The theme of the town is very much linked to its beginning as a small mountain village.
For many years, Gatlinburg has been called the "Gateway to the Smoky Mountains", since it is so close to them, and its history so linked with their beauty and splendor.
The closest peak is Mt.
LeConte, and many other peaks and valleys are within easy traveling distance of the town.
When you visit Gatlinburg today, you can still feel much of her history in her buildings and her people.
Native Americans were the first to pass through what was to be the Indian Gap Trail as they hunted wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.
In all likelihood, hunters and trappers from Europe probably traversed the area, and may have camped in the area now known as Gatlinburg.
The town's first settler was reported to be William Ogle, who came to the mountains from South Carolina.
He passed away shortly after finishing his cabin.
His widow came into the area and eventually her family would build a cabin that you can still see today.
In 1856, Gatlinburg erected their first post office, in a store owned by a man named Gatlin.
That's how the town was named.
In the Civil War, Gatlin sided with the Confederacy, even though most people in the area favored the Union.
Gatlin was forced out of the town that bore his name, even though the city would never side with anyone in the Civil War.
Some residents of the town joined the Confederacy and others went to the Union.
There was a great deal of hardship in the area, after the war.
A sawmill was built in 1900 in Gatlinburg, and the work brought more people to the area.
The locals made money by renting them cabins.
A hotel was also built, for lumber buyers who traveled through the area.
Shortly thereafter, tourists began visiting, after reading about the Smoky Mountains from popular authors of the day.
Before the loggers could over-harvest the area, Congress enacted the Weeks Act, in the year 1911, setting aside the land around Gatlinburg for a national forest, along with forest lands in other areas.
Gatlinburg is bordered on three sides by the mountains, and people have been drawn there since early American history, because of the beauty and allure of the area.
Tourism helped the town during the World Wars, although the town's growth was slowed by World War II.
After the war was over, the tourists began returning to the city.
The history of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has been fairly well-documented, since so many people were drawn to the place, even long ago.
The wildlife that brought Native Americans to the area to hunt for food is also responsible for bringing many tourists through the town today.
There are historic buildings still standing in Gatlinburg, and they are reminders of its place in history.
The theme of the town is very much linked to its beginning as a small mountain village.
For many years, Gatlinburg has been called the "Gateway to the Smoky Mountains", since it is so close to them, and its history so linked with their beauty and splendor.
The closest peak is Mt.
LeConte, and many other peaks and valleys are within easy traveling distance of the town.
When you visit Gatlinburg today, you can still feel much of her history in her buildings and her people.
Source...