Cades Cove History

If you want to explore the history of the Smoky Mountains, you don’t have to look any further than Cades Cove! This popular area is home to several historic structures, such as the Cable Grist Mill and the Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church. One of the most interesting buildings is the Henry Whitehead Place in Cades Cove, a unique cabin that can be found just a short drive from the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Here’s everything you need to know about the Henry Whitehead Place! …

Starting in the early 1820’s, settlers began traveling to Cades Cove to build homes and work the land in the valley. Way before the area was part of the national park, many families called Cades Cove home and spent their lives in what is now a popular destination for travelers to the Smokies. In fact, the last resident of Cades Cove Tennessee didn’t leave until 1999. Here is everything you need to know about the Caughron family:…

As you plan to visit Cades Cove, it is good to have a background knowledge of some of the rich history that the area has so you know what to look for on your next visit. As you make your way through what locals call “The Cove,” be sure to take a minute to recognize some of the history behind the great views around you. …

While traveling along the Cades Cove Loop, you may have noticed a historical marker across from the Missionary Baptist Church that honors the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. This marker refers to the group of men who were responsible for building the roads, bridges, campgrounds, trails, and picnic areas that we all enjoy today, which is why the rock plaque states “If you seek their monument, look about you.” Here is the history behind the Civilian Conservation Corps in Cades Cove TN:…

While driving along the Cades Cove Loop Road, you will discover a variety of fascinating historical cabins, including the Dan Lawson Place. This particular cabin is about three quarters of the way around the loop road, and you will also find a barn, smokehouse, and granary on the property. Lawson was a well known resident of Cades Cove who had this cabin built in 1856 and eventually became the largest landowner in the Cove after the Civil War. Read on to find out more about the history of Dan Lawson Place in Cades Cove Tennessee:…

When you see the historic cabins in Cades Cove as you drive through, you probably wonder what the people who lived in them were like. What kind of history is there in these buildings? We want to share some information about these buildings you probably didn’t know. You might look at the cabins differently after you learn a little more about them! Here are 5 things you didn’t know about the historic cabins in Cades Cove:…

If you love learning more about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then you should consider paying a visit to some of the many cemeteries in Cades Cove on your next visit. Although National Park Service records indicate there are 14 cemeteries in Cades Cove, only 11 of them have been found. To help you learn more, we’ve listed all 11 of them for you below! Take a look at all the Cades Cove cemeteries:…

Cades Cove is known for its stunning scenery and the variety of activities available for visitors to enjoy. However, this special destination in the national park is also rich in history. Read on to discover 6 things you might not have known about Cades Cove history, and next time you visit, you can point out these little-known facts to all of your friends and family!…

Cades Cove is far and away the most popular section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 2 million visitors frequent this breathtaking valley each year to see its historic buildings, gorgeous mountain views, and spectacular wildlife. While today it seems obvious that Cades Cove would become a can’t-miss attraction in the Smokies, the valley’s potential wasn’t always recognized….

The Cherokee people have deep roots in Cades Cove. Years before the first Euro-Americans settled in the cove, the Cherokee had their own village in the valley. Known as “Tsiya’hi,” which means “Otter Place,” the settlement was situated near streams that were teaming with otters. The name “Cades Cove” is taken from Chief Kade, the Cherokee leader of Tsiya’hi….

Is Cades Cove haunted? We can’t say for sure (that’s a question for paranormal investigators), but we do know that there are a few Cades Cove ghost stories that have been told for decades around these parts. One of our favorite tall tales from the valley was transcribed in The Granny Curse and Other Ghosts and Legends from East Tennessee, a 1999 book by Janet Barnett and Randy Russell. Known as “The Cussing Cover,” this electrifying ghost story is perfect for your next campfire. Read on for our retelling of this classic yarn….

Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area is full of natural wonder, and structures drenched in Appalachian history! There are many structures, walking trails, and pull offs that are worth exploring, but the cantilever barn in Cades Cove has a unique origin and design. It’s worth a stop to look at. …