Pigeon Forge History

Pigeon Forge was once part of North Carolina. Settlers first reached the area in 1788, when the area was governed by North Carolina. Pigeon Forge was the site of an iron forge built in 1820 by Isaac Love. His son built the Historic Old Mill in 1830. The other half of Pigeon Forge's namesake is the passenger pigeon. Although passenger pigeons are now extinct, the community of Pigeon Forge preserves the memory of bygone era that brings to mind the rich diversity of life in the the wilderness frontier that was East Tennessee.

The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge

Sitting on the banks of the Little Pigeon River, the Old Mill is a landmark in the city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This area was the city’s center early in the 1800s. This little mill provided electricity for the growing town until 1935. Settlers depended on the water-powered gristmill to provide their families with flour and meal. Today, the mill is on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the most photographed landmarks in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the country.

The iconic water wheel utilizes the water from the Little Pigeon River to turn the 4600 pound stones and the grain elevator. On a visit to the mill, visitors can see the innerworkings of the mill and watch as the massive flint granite stones produce over 1000 pounds of meal and flour a day. Visitors can also take home some grain from the mill store located in the bottom of the mill house.

Sevierville History

Sevierville was founded in 1794, however it was an important native american community before settlement by pioneers. Several archeological sites are found in Sevierville, including a large burial mound on the banks of the Little Pigeon River just off of the Forks of the River Parkway. In 1881, items found at this site during an archeological survey were sent to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The artifacts date to 1200-1500 A.D., while nearby sites reveal villages of the Woodland Indians from 200 A.D.. Sevierville's distinctive courthouse was constructed in 1895.

Gatlinburg History

Gatlinburg was originally known as White Oak Flats. The community was later named after a local businessman named Gatlin. Logging operations in the rich forests of the Smoky Mountains was the principal source of income for the community. Most of the early settlers were Scots-Irish who felt at home in the Highlands of Southern Appalachia, reminded by the Smoky Mountains of the misty Highlands of Scotland. The White Oak Flats Cemetary in Gatlinburg is a reminder of the hardships faced by these early settlers.

Civil War in Sevier County

Tennessee was the last state to secede from the Union; however, most residents of Sevier County remained loyal to the Union. Although no major confrontations occured in Sevier County, several small skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces did occur. Guerrilla fighting was common in Sevier County, while nearby Knoxville was a major theatre of operations during the Civil War. The community of Dandridge in neighboring Jefferson County was also a site of strategic interest. Visit the Tennessee Civil War Sourcebook online to view historical documents regarding the Civil War in Sevier County, Sevierville, and the Smoky Mountains.

Revolutionary War in Sevier County

Sevier County is named for John Sevier, a Revolutionary War Hero who fought in the Battle of King's Mountain. Sevier County history dates to the time when Tennessee was known as the State of Franklin, named for the legendary Statesman Ben Franklin. The First Baptist Church Cemetery in Sevierville is the final resting place for many local veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The Cemetery is at the intersection of S.R. 448 and Main Street in Sevierville.