The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a captivating history that spans thousands of years, from the earliest Paleo-Indian inhabitants to the modern-day conservation efforts. This comprehensive timeline delves into the significant events that have shaped the Smoky Mountains, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past.
Prehistoric Paleo-Indians and the Cherokee Tribe
- 1540: Hernando De Soto, the Spanish explorer, ventures into the southern Appalachian Mountains and encounters the Cherokee tribe, who had inhabited the region for centuries.
- 1775: Botanist William Bartram explores the southern Appalachians, documenting the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Early European Settlement and Homesteading
- 1795: The Mingus and Hughes families establish the first homesteads in the Oconaluftee River Valley.
- 1814: The Caldwells become the first non-Indians to settle in the Cataloochee Valley.
- 1818-1821: The first non-Indian settlers arrive in Cades Cove.
- 1819: The Cherokee relinquish their claim to the last of their lands in the Smoky Mountains.
Population Growth and the Civil War Era
- 1830: The population of Cades Cove reaches 271.
- 1838-39: The Cherokee tribe is forcibly relocated from the Southeast to Oklahoma along the “Trail of Tears”.
- 1850: The population of Cades Cove grows to 685.
- 1861-1865: The American Civil War divides the mountaineers, with raiders frequently seizing supplies from residents.
Logging and the Establishment of the National Park
- 1903-4: Lumber companies set up operations on Eagle and Hazel creeks.
- 1908: The Elkmont logging camp is constructed.
- 1913: Horace Kephart’s book “Our Southern Highlanders” is published, highlighting the unique culture and way of life in the Smoky Mountains.
- 1923: The Appalachian National Park Association (ANPA) is formed to promote the establishment of a national park in the Appalachians.
- 1926: The ANPA presents a petition to Congress with 10 reasons to establish a park in the Appalachians.
- 1934: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is officially established.
- 1939: The Little River Lumber Company finishes cutting timber in the Tremont area.
- 1940: President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the park on Labor Day.
The Civilian Conservation Corps and Modern Developments
- 1922-1942: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) is established to alleviate unemployment during the Great Depression, with many recruits assigned to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- 1945: The CCC is disbanded.
- 2013: The Sugarlands Visitors Center is renovated to better serve visitors.
- 2015: The “Missing Link” of the Foothills Parkway is completed after a 52-year delay.
- 2023: Parking passes are required at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Smoky Mountains timeline showcases the rich history of this iconic national park, from its earliest inhabitants to the modern-day conservation efforts. Each event highlights the resilience, adaptability, and stewardship of the people who have called this region home, shaping the Smoky Mountains into the beloved natural wonder it is today.
References:
– Western Carolina University Library Digital Collections: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Timeline
– Hearthside Cabin Rentals: Important Dates in Great Smoky Mountains National Park History
– National Park Service: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Timeline