“Although the high peaks of the Smoky mountains are some fifty feet lower than the isolated and almost exceptional group of the Black mountains, by their number, their magnitude, the continuity and general elevation of the chains, and of the base upon which they repose, they are like a massive and high citadel which is really the culminating region of all the Appalachian System.”
History of the Park
Prior to the start of the 20th century, the area now comprising the park was little known to the outside world, although DeSoto is believed to have viewed the mountains. They were, and still are, the home of the Cherokees who now occupy the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina, adjacent to the park on the south. The few white settlers were the rugged mountaineer descendants of colonists from England and Scotland who lived isolated and primitive lives. The Great Smokies region became better known during and subsequent to World War I when logging railroads of lumber companies penetrated some of its virgin forests. Still later, highways skirted the area and visitors were able to view its majestic peaks from a distance.
The successful movement for the creation of a national park in this area was begun in 1923, and its establishment was authorized by the Federal Government by act of Congress approved May 22, 1926. Enabling acts were passed by the State legislatures of North Carolina and Tennessee in 1927, and land acquisition was begun with State funds, matched by a generous donation made by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., through the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, in honor of his mother. Subsequently, Federal funds were made available for the completion of the project.
On February 6, 1930, the Governors of North Carolina and Tennessee presented the Secretary of the Interior with deeds to an initial 158,876 acres of land on behalf of their respective States. A limited park was thus established for administration and protection. The park, now containing 507,168 acres of Federal lands, was formally dedicated on September 2, 1946.
Pioneer Culture in the Great Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents an opportunity to preserve frontier conditions of a century ago. The cultural and human interest aspects of this park are exceeded only by its scenery and natural history.
In places where the forest has not yet encroached upon them, there are clearings which were the sloping little farms of the mountain pioneers. Sturdy log structures in varying stages of disintegration remain there as evidence of a way of life which has practically disappeared in eastern United States. Some of these log cabins, barns, and other buildings have been rehabilitated in place so that you may see the original structures in their true setting. Most of them are in Cades Cove, where the park’s only grist mill powered by an overshot wheel is located. Cades Cove, an isolated, oval-shaped valley surrounded by mountains, is a region of outstanding pastoral charm which you should visit.
Some of the finest of various types of authentic pioneer structures have been assembled in the immediate vicinity of the Oconaluftee Ranger Station and Pioneer Museum, located on the cross-mountain highway about 2 miles north of Cherokee, N. C. On display in the museum are tools, household objects, and a variety of other handmade items which were used by the pioneers who made their homes on lands which now comprise the park. This building is open from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m., April through October.