Before the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the popular tourist attraction that it is today, it was a popular settlement where people lived and worked. Because of this, some parts of the Smokies have a unique and fascinating history. Take some time to learn more about one of them! Here is a list of 5 fun facts about Elkmont Ghost Town:
1. It Was Home to The Little River Lumber Company
What would become the Elkmont Ghost Town began as a popular settlement. Robert Trentham was one of the people to live there. He built a cabin in 1830’s and passed it down to his son, Levi. Levi later sold Elkmont’s land to William B. Townsend who used it as the site for his commercial logging company. As business grew, Townsend built the Little River Railroad to make transporting logs more efficient. Along with transporting lumber, the train took people on the “Elkmont Special.” This was a scenic tour of various towns in the area.
2. The Area Was Once a Resort Community
It is no surprise that the “Elkmont Special” quickly became a very popular attraction. This is because visitors loved admiring the natural scenery of the Smokies just as they do today. A short tour was not enough, as people want to enjoy the scenic area! In response, The Little River Lumber Company sold 50 acres of land to a group of wealthy individuals in 1920. What started as a hunting and fishing ground for men later became a popular vacation spot for families. It included a clubhouse, the Wonderland Hotel, and other cottages.
3. People Abandoned Their Homes
In 1926, The Little River Lumber Company sold the rest of their land to Tennessee and North Carolina. It would become part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934. The owners of the cottages sold them at half-price in exchange for lifetime leases. The leases were later reduced and not renewed. People remained living in the Elkmont area until 1992. It was deemed a “ghost town” due to the vast amount of abandoned buildings.
4. Many of the Structures Have Been Restored
The leaseholders want to protect the history of the buildings. Restoration efforts began in 1994, and 19 structures were preserved. Some have been moved from their original location. One of them is the Levi Trentham Cabin. This is the cabin that Robert Trentham built when he first came to the area making it the oldest structure in Elkmont. Hikers can even walk through the cabin to see old furniture and old plumbing. Other notable things to see include the Appalachian Clubhouse.
5. You Can Go Camping Nearby
In addition to the Elkmont Ghost Town itself, the area also has a campground. The Elkmont campground was established in the 1950’s and has since become the busiest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a frontcountry campground which means tha visitors stay close to their vehicles. There are also restrooms with cold running water.
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Elkmont Ghost Town! Learn even more about Elkmont before you visit in person.
