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Townsend
Townsend has a rich history that goes back into the 19th
century when it began as a logging town named Tuckaleechee Cove,
meaning “peaceful valley,” by the Cherokee Indians who lived there
before the first white settlers in the late 18th century. With
logging the principal industry in the Great Smoky Mountains at the
time, The Little River Lumber Company and the Little River
Railroad were created, and the president, Col. W. B. Townsend
became the new namesake of the logging community. Even during this
period of intense commercial activity, the scenic mountain country
became a popular attraction once the railroads had opened
relatively easy access to it. Some of the logging camps, notably
Elkmont, began to evolve into tourist hotels. As logging
activities began to diminish and the railroad tracks removed, the
rail beds provided the beginnings of roadways and trails into the
Smokies. A prime example is the scenic Little River Road now
running from Townsend all the way along the wilds of the Little
River to the Sugarlands visitor’s center. This was originally the
rail bed of the Little River Railroad.
Once much of the land was sold to become the National Park,
Townsend, because of its proximity to Cades Cove and the easy
access to the scenic Little River portion of the park, became a
major portal for visitors to the National Park. The Townsend area
has remained primarily an uncluttered, pleasant, scenic
destination for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the
Smokies without undue artificial distractions. Visitors can learn
more about the history of Townsend at the The Little River
Railroad Lumber Company Museum, which holds collections that have
been preserved and exhibit the history of these companies and of
the people in this region.
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