Gatlinburg History

Gatlinburg is a very popular mountain tourist destination. It is surrounded by high ridges at the gates of the Great Smoky Mountains. Its resident population is about 3,400, but this friendly town hosts thousands of yearly visitors who come for the great scenery, shopping and attractions in the area.

Prior to 1800, Gatlinburg was an important hunting area for the Cherokees who tracked the plentiful game in the Smokies. American and European trappers and fur traders also camped in the Gatlinburg area. Its first permanent settler was Martha Jane Huskey Ogle. Her husband Willian had notched logs to establish a cabin in 1801. However, when he went back to get his family in South Carolina, he died of malaria. His widow Martha and her large family came to what was known as White Oak Flats and began building the cabin in 1806 as husband William had intended. The Ogle cabin can still be seen and visited today in Gatlinburg.

By 1856, the area was well settled and took on its current name of Gatlinburg after the owner of the general store. In the early 1900's, excessive logging created a public outcry among conservationists in Gatlinburg and led to the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 1934. The Park created a huge increase in tourism and prosperity for the town. Recent attractions include the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, the Gatlinburg trolley and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

A stay in one of the rental cabins in Gatlinburg, TN is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery in the surrounding area. Gatlinburg cabin rentals can be a perfect honeymoon, a fun family vacation or a corporate getaway. Most cabins are perfectly situated to take in the great views and are fully equipped with all the modern conveniences. With a number of different providers in the area, it is easy to find a cabin rental to fit any group size.