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History of the Smoky Mountains
Many will visit the Great Smoky Mountains
this year, but few will learn of the interesting history that lies
behind the shopping malls, putt-putt courses, restaurants and ski
slopes. Within the beauty of the mountains, an amazing history of
human courage, dissension, and triumph lurks. The Great Smoky
Mountains National Park did not
always exist, nor did the quaint
town of Gatlinburg, which you will find nestled between the great
mountain peaks of East Tennessee.
Decades ago, settlers made their way into
this great valley and endured years of hardship to finally settle
the town we now know as Gatlinburg. We often only notice the candy
shops, the space needle, and the many stores that sell t-shirts to
the thousands of visitors, but much more can be discovered if one
desires to look deeper. One would find that the community
struggled against such things as geographical isolation, harsh
weather, and family feuds that inhibited growth. "That's all
history now," as they say, and as the quaint town of
Gatlinburg grows, the reflection on its past diminishes.
Gatlinburg is only one small town with a
colorful history that can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. Many don't realize that this park which covers over
half a million acres has a deep history as well. Years of
political disagreements, lack of funding, and a final glimmer of
hope from the Rockefeller family combine to create the history of
this magnificent park. Thousands of cars pour into the many
different entrances each year and absorb the amazing beauty that
surrounds them. Regardless of the season, visitors will enjoy the
park, which remains greatly unchanged over the past several
decades. Keeping the landscape unchanged and the wildlife at home
in their natural environment were just two of the goals of the
founders of this great National Park. Come visit one of the most
beautiful natural environments you will ever see, and don't forget
to take time to reflect on the region's history, which makes it
what it is today.
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