Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only known for its stunning natural scenery and abundant wildlife, but also for an impressive collection of historic buildings that date back as far as the early 1800s! While visiting the park, you’ll find more than 90 rehabilitated buildings, including homes, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills. While these historic sites are well known and documented, there are also some unique sites in the Smokies that have almost been lost in time! Here are a few unique sites in the Great Smoky Mountains that have nearly been forgotten:
1. Indian Gap Hotel
While the LeConte Lodge is the only permanent indoor lodging facility in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there was once a short-lived establishment in the area called the Indian Gap Hotel. The hotel was built in 1925 on the southern end of the Sugarlands, near the west fork of the Little Pigeon River, and it was an all-wooden building featuring large rooms with boards laid on rafters.
It served as a popular spot for hikers and quickly became famous for its scenic river views, log footbridge access, and affordable “all you can eat” meals. The rooms were famously listed for roughly $2.00 per night, and you could enjoy a delicious dinner for just $.50! The Indian Gap Hotel was eventually demolished in 1933 following negotiations with the Tennessee Park Commission to make way for the National Park.
2. Old Steam Engine along Grapeyard Ridge Trail
While hiking the Grapeyard Ridge Trail in the Greenbrier section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll eventually come across an old steam engine lying in a creek bed! This self-propelled, steam-powered traction engine was used to power a sawmill in the 1920s, and it cut lumber for the construction of the old Greenbrier School. One day, during its return run down the mountain, the driver failed to navigate a sharp switchback, and the heavy machine tumbled down a steep slope and landed upside down in the creek.
Although some parts were salvaged shortly after the crash, the bulk of the engine was too heavy to retrieve and was left behind. Although this incident occurred nearly 100 years ago, the rusted boiler, iron wheels, and gears remain remarkably intact despite continuous exposure to water!
3. The Ogle Store in Gatlinburg
Another one of the unique and unknown sites in the Great Smoky Mountains is the Ogle Store, which was Gatlinburg’s first record of a merchant when it opened in 1850. The store was established by Noah Ogle, and it was a town staple for 125 years, serving as a general store, gathering place, and even a home for the local post office for nearly a decade!
Five succeeding generations of the Ogle family operated the store over the years, and it underwent several location changes and expansions throughout its century-long operation in Gatlinburg. The Ogle Store was torn down in 1975 to make way for the Mountain Mall, but the Ogle family legacy continues through various businesses throughout the Smokies!
Discover More Smoky Mountain History
While these unique sites have been nearly forgotten over time, there are still many well-known historical structures and remnants to explore in the Great Smoky Mountains! Here are the best places to visit in Great Smoky Mountain National Park to see historical buildings!
