Just like the TN side, the NC side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a rich history. While many of the buildings from the original settlers no longer stand, the National Park Service has worked hard to preserve a select few. We are going to tell you about a lesser-known home that’s easy to find. In this guide, learn more about the Hiram Caldwell House in Cataloochee Valley and how to get there!
How to Find the Caldwell Place
The Caldwell House is located about 2 miles past the Cataloochee Campground. There is parking available across the road from the house; spots may be limited, so make sure to arrive early! Visitors must also have a Smoky Mountains parking pass on their vehicle if they plan to be parked for more than 15 minutes. The road and path up to the house is unpaved, and it can be muddy after a heavy rain. Proper footwear, such as sneakers or hiking boots, will help you maintain your balance while keeping your feet clean.
History of the House
The Caldwell Place was built by Hiram Caldwell. Construction was started in 1903 and completed in 1906. Hiram worked as a farmer; he grew and sold crops like corn, wheat, and apples. The vast property had lots of fertile land. Another way that Hiram Caldwell made a living was as a teamster. He drove a team of horses, oxen, or mules to pull a wagon. The wagons contained goods that needed to be transported around the valley, such as building materials and household goods. Visitors can still ride on horseback and in carriages today. It is a unique way to get around Cataloochee Valley!
More About the Hiram Caldwell House
The outside of the Caldwell House stands out, as it is white with blue trim. The inside contains two stories with nine rooms. It is no surprise that this is the largest preserved structure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The house’s front door is open, so visitors can look around inside. One of the rooms has wallpaper that is made out of newspaper from the historic community. Read parts of various articles to see what was going on in Big and Little Cataloochee. Use caution while exploring because the material is old!
When you’re done looking inside the house, there is more to see on the property. This includes a 10-stall barn that housed sheep and cattle. The structure was damaged by Hurricane Helene and later repaired by the NPS. You should also check out the springhouse. The stone structure was used to store perishable items like meat and cheese before refrigeration was invented. Keep your eyes out for wildlife too. The fields are a popular place for elk. Maintain a distance of 150 feet or more from any animals!
More Places to Go in the North Carolina Smokies
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Hiram Caldwell House in Cataloochee Valley! Want to know about more historic sites in the area? Read all about the Palmer Chapel!
