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. …
The Cherokee, who first called the Great Smoky Mountains their home, named these mountains shaconage (shah-con-ah-jey), or “place of the blue smoke.” Europeans settled the land in the 1800s, followed by loggers and President Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps in the 20th century.
These mountains hold many mysteries and untold stories, and they have thousands of years of history to tell. While the mountains will always keep some of their secrets, the Cades Cove Visitors Center does an incredible job of helping visitors understand the mountain people who once lived and died here. With historic structures and artifacts on display, visitors can get a sense of what the mountain settlements used to look like and hear about the people who once called Cades Cove and the Great Smokies their home….
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Cades Cove also boasts a long and fascinating past. Before you pay a visit to this incredible area, be sure to read our convenient guide to Cades Cove history….
