Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

But what was Pigeon Forge like long before tourism and merchantry developed the Parkway into an endless line of businesses, billboards and stop-n-go traffic jams? Further investigation reveals another layer to Pigeon Forge- one filled with the heritage of early American pioneers. Before the Great Smoky Mountain National Park opened, Pigeon Forge was a sleepy little mountain town, unknown to much of America.

Pigeon Forge derives its name from two sources: the flocks of passenger pigeons that frequented the Little Pigeon river banks in the early 1800’s and an iron forge works established by pioneer Isaac Love in 1820. These were the two dominant features of the land, so settlers merged them together to create Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Isaac Love’s son William went on to build the historic Old Mill, a grist mill made of 40-foot long “14 x 14” Yellow Poplar logs still standing today, 180 years later. In the early days, the Old Mill served as a gathering place for the town, producing nurturing grains for city dwellers' bellies and a warm, social community for their hearts.

Today the Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most photographed locations in Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill still serves up wholesome, natural grains, as well as hearty meals in their restaurant and bakery.