3 Historical Structures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

All visitors know the Smokies for its timeless natural beauty. While it has always been breathtaking, you’ll be surprised to discover that the area was once a thriving settlement. People established communities that lived off the land. No one lives there today, but various buildings have been preserved. Check them out during your next visit to our cabins. Here is a list of 3 historical structures to see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. John Oliver Cabin

The John Oliver cabin is located in Cades Cove. You can see it by driving on Cades Cove Loop Road. The structure was built in the 1820s by its namesake. It was a cozy first home for himself and his wife when they first moved to the area. A notable feature of the structure is the hardware. It stands tall thanks to the use of gravity and notched corners as opposed to nails. What’s more? The John Oliver Cabin is the oldest human structure in the park. You can admire the cabin anytime because Cades Cove Loop Road is open year-round!

2. Primitive Baptist Church

The Primitive Baptist Church is another historical structure on Cades Cove Loop Road. It was the first church in the area built in 1827. The settlers were happy that they had a set meeting place for Sunday Service. Before it was built, they would travel and meet in people’s houses. Along with serving the religious needs of the community, the church was a social gathering spot as well. Today, visitors can even go inside and look around. There are pews on each side of the room and a preacher stands up front. What’s more? If you’re planning your dream Smoky Mountain wedding, you can have the ceremony here. The interior is made of dark brown wood which offers a rustic feel. You don’t need extra decorations for pictures because the natural scenery makes for a great backdrop. Come back to our cabins and have a fun reception.

3. Alfred Reagan Place and Gristmill

The Alfred Reagan Place and gristmill is located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, another great scenic drive route on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The house was built in the 1800’s by its namesake. He was a well-liked Roaring Fork resident who wore a lot of hats. In fact, he was a blacksmith, preacher, and carpenter. His greatest achievement though was building the gristmill. The machine used water power to grind wheat and corn. It saved farmers a lot of time because they didn’t have to do it by hand. The house and gristmill are close together on the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. If you want to see them, keep in mind that this Smoky Mountain scenic drive is open seasonally. It opens at the end of March and closes at the beginning of December in an effort to keep visitors safe from the harsh winter conditions.

We hope you see all of these historical structures and everything else in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Want to know more about this attraction? Check out this list of popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!