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Gatlinburg TN
is surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountain
National Park. It was first named White Oaks Flat
for its many white oak trees. It was settled in the
early 1800s by English, Scottish, and Irish immigrants.
Martha Ogle is believed to be the first official
settler. She came with her family to start a new life in
what her husband had described to her as a “Land of
Paradise” in what is now East Tennessee. Many
Revolutionary War veterans came to claim title to 50
acre tracts of land allotted to each for their patriotic
services. The first homesteads were located at the
mouths of Baskins
Creek, LeConte Creek, and Roaring Fork Creek, where each
joined the Pigeon River. In
1855, Radford C. Gatlin came to Gatlinburg and opened the city's 2nd store.
Radford Gatlin was a controversial and out-spoken gentleman who was
eventually banished from the community and the city. However, the city
still bears his name.
When the Civil War broke out, a number of locals joined
the Union and a few others went to the Confederacy. However, most
people tried to remain neutral. Although only one battle was fought in
Gatlinburg TN,
countless robbery's and break-ins were made upon Gatlinburg by both
sides to gather resources needed. Hardship persisted in the area
long after the war.
Timbering began
replacing farming in the early 1900s as the primary
source for the economy. Gatlinburg's first hotel was
built to accommodate traveling lumber buyers. In the
1930s, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and
tourism helped the area’s economy pick up. Many families
moved to Gatlinburg after being displaced by the park
and took jobs at new hotels and other service
facilities. World War II slowed the growth of
Gatlinburg. Incorporated in 1945, Gatlinburg TN has since
developed into a four-season resort.
Gatlinburg TN is now know as a
quaint village-like town nestled in the hills of the
Smoky Mountains. It is known for its great
scenery, quaint little shops, and its many cabin
rentals. Now in Gatlinburg TN there are many
attractions such as the Ripley's Empire. It is now
known aa premier vacation spot. |
