Gatlinburg Tennessee

Gatlinburg TN is known for the beautiful scenery, shopping, activities and its rich history. It is located at the bottom of Mt. Le Conte in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee and has been referred to as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains”. Gatlinburg sees over one million visitors every year and has become one of the biggest tourist cities in the United States. People come from all around to relax, take in the scenery and visit the city for the historical aspect of downtown Gatlinburg Tennessee.

The first people to settle the area were the Ogle’s. Tom Ogle started building what is believed to be the first structure built in Gatlinburg. He was building a home to bring his family to so they could start their lives in “paradise”. Unfortunately he fell ill before completely finishing the cabin. Martha Ogle took her children and family with her and set off on a journey to find this cabin. She had never been but with the directions Tom gave her she was able to find the cabin and she and her brothers finished it up and began to live there. Besides the Ogle’s there were Native American’s in that area. Eventually 50 acre land grants were given to veterans who fought in the Revolutionary War and they ran the Natives off. The area became known as “White Oaks” due to the many White Oak trees in the area. It was called White Oaks for a while until a man named Radford Gatlin moved to the area and built the first post office and second store. Due to his assistance in improving the area the area became known as Gatlinburg in honor of him. Eventually structures were built and churches were constructed. The area became a prosperous community with schools, shops, hotels, churches, etc. to accommodate travelers to the area who were cutting trees, improving land, and passing through the area.

Gatlinburg grew into a famous little town just before the Revolutionary War but with the founding of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park it grew even quicker. Tourists were coming through and lodging in hotels around the area. Just as quick as tourists were coming to the area, Gatlinburg, TN was growing to meet the expanding needs.

Today Gatlinburg TN attracts visitors for not only the Great Smoky Mountain National Park but also those who want to visit the Ripley’s attractions, Ski Lift, etc. that has made it’s home in Gatlinburg Tennessee. It’s no longer a small town with a handful of locals. It’s now one of the most visited vacation spots with 3300 people calling Gatlinburg home.