There are a lot of historical remnants throughout the Smokies. If you've seen the popular structures, such as the John Oliver Cabin in Cades Cove, there is a lot more ground to cover. Read on to prepare for your next visit. Here is a list of 4 lesser-known historical sites in the Smoky Mountains you should know about:
1. The Avent Cabin
Another lesser-known historical site in the Smoky Mountains is the Avent Cabin in Elkmont. The structure was built in 1845 and purchased by Frank Avent in 1918. His wife was a talented artist and used the cabin as a studio. You can reach the Avent Cabin today by taking an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike. Start at the Jake's Creek trailhead and follow it until you reach the Cucumber Gap Trail junction. There will then be a short walk to the Meigs Creek trailhead. The path to the cabin is less than a mile away from the trailhead. You will see the wooden steps leading to the cabin after you cross Jake's Creek.
2. John Ownby Cabin
The John Ownby Cabin is a single-story cabin that was built in 1860. The walls are held together by dovetail notching, and the chimney is made out of rocks and clay mortar. The structure was restored in 1964, including replacing the front porch. You can see the John Ownby Cabin by hiking the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. This is an easy and accessible 1.4-mile loop located behind the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Be sure to take the time and look inside the cabin to admire the fireplace, one of the original parts of the cabin!
3. Tyson McCarter Place
If you hike on the Old Settlers Trail, keep an eye out for the Tyson McCarter Place located near the trail’s junction with Maddron Bald Trail. While the cabin is no longer standing, there is a barn, a smokehouse, and a springhouse, all of which were built by early settler Jacob Tyson McCarter in the 1870s. This farmstead is unique because the “drive-through” barn and corn crib are connected, and the buildings were constructed in a circular formation, probably to ensure their livestock was protected from local wildlife.
4. More Historical Sites Along The Porter’s Creek Trail
There are some interesting Smoky Mountain historical sites and remnants on Porter’s Creek Trail, a 4-mile family-friendly trail that’s also known for its beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Some old stone walls from the Elbert Cantrell farmstead are located less than a mile from the trailhead. Right next to it is the Ownby Cemetery. If you go down a spur trail a little further from the trailhead, you will reach another farm site. This barn was built around 1875 by John Whaley, one of the first settlers to the Greenbrier area, and members of his family are buried in the Ownby Cemetery. The one-story barn is the last surviving structure from the Greenbrier community before the park was established.
We hope you enjoyed learning about some lesser-known historical sites in the Smoky Mountains. Want some more recommendations? Explore our other list of hidden places in the Smoky Mountains you have to find!
