Why Preserve Daisy Town?

Families gathered at the Appalachian Club, circa 1917

GRSM Collection

Quick Facts

Location:

Appalachian Clubhouse, Elkmont Campground, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Significance:

Birthplace of tourism and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Today, the parking lot at Jakes Creek is at the crossroads of the three different club areas, collectively known as the Elkmont Historic District. This area preserves 18 structures, two cemeteries, and over 100 years of stories, memories, and dreams that represent the last evidence of the tourism history of the Smokies. This area was first settled in the mid-1800s by descendants of Gatlinburg families. By the early 1900s, most of the land was bought by the second largest lumber company in the area and eventually became the first piece of property purchased to create Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the cabin owners in Elkmont Historic District not only supported the national park movement, but also donated money to help buy land to create the park.

The important stories of this area were almost lost, but considerable time, research, and back-breaking work preserved this piece of park history. Please help us preserve and protect this and other historic areas of the park by respecting the memories of the people who lived here and the work of the park’s preservation staff. If you want to learn more, we invite you to talk to one of our Elkmont Volunteers, visit our bookstore, or go to our website. Thank you for visiting!