The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The Smoky Mountains are some of the highest mountain ranges in the Appalachians. Human beings lived on the land as early as 9000 BC. They lived off the land. After the Paleo-Indians, Archaic Indians occupied the land. They used only what they needed from the land, allowing for game re-population and re-growth. Trade brought corn and other crops to the Smoky Mountains. Thus, farming became a way of life.
The Smoky Mountains was home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. It actually is still home to this Nation. War and treaties eventually forced the Cherokee Nation off the land. Some hid in the mountains refusing to leave. Eventually, the remaining Indians banned together in Swain County, which was formed from Indian Lands. Later, livestock was moved into the area along with white settlers. Prospectors mined for gold, tin, silver, copper, and zinc. Large mines were established in the area. Timber was exploited. Roads, turnpikes, and train tracks were introduced to transport commodities. Major changes had taken place over the last 100 years.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most prominent feature of the Smoky Mountains. The park was officially created in the 1930's, and it is now the most visited national park in America. There is a museum in the park and tour guides are available in certain locations throughout the park to answer questions. The park is popular for camping, hiking, and fishing. Permits are needed to camping and fishing areas. There are endless miles of hiking trails for all levels of experience. It is possible to drive for miles and miles and never have to get out of the car to enjoy the beauty of the park.
There were many obstacles to creating the National Park. There were political, financial, and cultural issues. Some businessmen wanted the park to be a forest rather than a park. This would allow for the resources of the area to continue to be exploited. Others just wanted to continue to use the area as a getaway for hunting and fishing. Cultural issues came into play with the people who already lived in the mountains or had purchased land there. Then there was the issue of money. It was a question of how enough money could be raised to acquire the land. John D. Rockefeller Jr. made a generous donation allowing the process to begin. It took many years to convince settlers to sell their land. Finally, the deal was complete, 17 years after the initial idea.
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If you're planning a trip to the Smokies, Appleview River Resort is a luxuriously Gatlinburg resort
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