There are a lot of people who were influential in the history of Cades Cove. They helped the settlement thrive. One important (and probably most well-known) group is the Oliver family. Read on to learn more about the history of the Oliver family in Cades Cove before your next visit:
Arrival in Cades Cove
John and Lucretia Oliver arrived in Cades Cove around 1818. The couple was among the first European settlers in the area. John Oliver was a veteran of the War of 1812 and moved here for a quiet life after the conflict ended. The couple made their mark on the area by helping establish the Primitive Baptist Church. The congregation met in a small log cabin and grew steadily.
A bigger building was constructed in 1887 to accommodate more people, which is still standing today. Look for it as you travel along Cades Cove Loop Road. The outside is white while the inside is dark brown wood. Walk in to sit in the pews or stand behind the preacher’s stand.
John Oliver
Where did the Olivers live while doing all this great work? Their residence was a small cabin that was built around 1850. While it no longer stands today, visitors can still see the first cabin that John Oliver built. This is deemed the “John Oliver Cabin” in the Smokies. He never actually lived there, but it was used as a honeymoon cabin for his son, Elijah. It is 1 story with a loft and constructed from saddle-notched logs.
This cabin is the oldest structure in Cades Cove, and it still stands today on Cades Cove Loop Road. The National Park Service works hard to maintain it. You can walk in to see the chimney and single window. Imagine what life was like before all the technological advancements we have today.
Elijah Oliver
Elijah Oliver followed in his parents’ footsteps and began his own life in Cades Cove. He built his own cabin in 1866. The structure is unique, as it's made from 2 cabins that share a common breezeway. The cabin still stands today on the Wet Bottom Trail. This is an easy 1-mile route that serves as a connector trail between the Cooper Road Trail and Abrams Falls. Keep in mind that the flat terrain can be muddy after a heavy rain.
The Elijah Oliver cabin property is also home to the only remaining springhouse in Cades Cove. This structure was used to keep perishable foods cold before the invention of the refrigerator.
The Oliver Family Legacy
John Oliver his wife, and several other family members are buried in the cemetery near the Primitive Baptist Church. Their legacy lives on thanks to the preservation of important structures. The rich historical background of Cades Cove attracts countless visitors every day! It is no surprise that Cades Cove is the most-visited area of the Smokies.
Learn More About the History of Cades Cove
If you liked learning about the Oliver family, Cades Cove has an even richer history! Explore our other list of things you didn’t know about Cades Cove history!
