History of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

On the border of Eastern Tennessee and North Carolina, Gatlinburg is near Knoxville, and Asheville. In the valleys bordering awe-inspiring Smoky Mountains and its namesake national park, Gatlinburg resides among Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Seymour, and other thriving communities, which were settled in the early 1800s and which has solid roots. The city of Gatlinburg came from humble beginnings. Originally called White Oaks Flats, because of its forests of White Oaks, the earliest, white settlers are said to be one family, with widow Martha Jane Huskey Ogle as the first to inhabit a town they called "The Land of Paradise", a land that was previously hunting ground for the Cherokee. There are different stories as to how this early town changed its name, but they all revolve around a controversial figure, preacher, and democrat, named Ratlin C. Gatlin. In 1854, he arrived, set up the second general store and a Baptist church. In 1855, White Oaks Flat changed to Gatlinburg when the post office became established. In this republican community, more than likely his political leanings banished Gatlin from the area.

As of 2000 US census, Gatlinburg has 3,828 citizens. Undeniably the popular reason visitors come to Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The United Nations designated the park as one of the 324 International Biosphere Reserves. This means the park is dedicated to, genetic diversity conservation and enviromental education, research, and monitoring. Because of elevation, the mountains support a variety habitats and, as such, species of flora and fauna. There are 1,500 vascular plants, 10% of which are rare, over 4,000 non-flowering plants; 95% of the park is forest, 25% undisturbed; new species of invertebrates are found almost every year; the park is home to 60 species of mammals, 200 birds, 38 reptilians and the most diverse population of salamanders in the world.

Gatlinburg is known for its family fun. There are museums, like Ripley's Believe It or Not, Hollywood Stars Cars, Guinness World Records, the Salt and Pepper Shaker, a museum featuring thousands of shakers; Christus Gardens, a garden filled with over a hundred of Christ scenes; park rides, such as The Earthquake, Aerial Tram, Space Needle, Sky Lift, Movie Motion rides; and several haunted houses, houses of illusions, and the world's largest mirror maze. With all the choices, one could spend months to experience the fun positively palpable in the air. There are special events for each and all seasons in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. During Winterfest, dazzling lights and light displays decorate houses, businesses, and trees. Every spring since 1937 an 8-mile, looping trail hosts the most independent artisans in North America, working on their arts and crafts. One can expect to find a variety of crafts, from candles, to leather, to dolls, to stained glass windows, and more. Springtime is also wing-time, a street party with live entertainment and barbeque wings.

One unique event is that has a Scottish festival, bagpipes, Highland dancing and all; and nature too has its own festivals, the 57th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and Springfest. Summer in Gatlinburg lights up with parades and fireworks. Mountain music festivals are quintessential to a mountain city of which Gatlinburg is not in short supply, having two festivities. Crafts too are not in short supply or demand as visitors enjoy another festival in the summer. In the Fall, when the red and orange leaves are painting the trees, Harvest and Taste of Autumn festivals hold craft fairs, live entertainment, and signature dishes for the area. One particular, yet curiously fun event Ripley's Aquarium puts on is a Shark Race, where rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River. Any time of year, one is sure to enjoy the local festivities. Some of the best all-around sports and activities can be found in Gatlinburg. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, cycling, camping, hiking trails 600 miles long, fishing on countless streams and the Little Pigeon river, mountain golfing (just as it sounds, with an impeccable scenic view), horseback riding, Class IV whitewater rafting are all to be had and to suit each and everyone's pleasure. Visitors will come away fit and, perhaps, hopes to return.