Welcome to Elkmont Historic District, a fascinating portal into the past of the Great Smoky Mountains. As you explore this area, you’re walking through a place that has seen a significant evolution from a bustling logging town to a cherished historic site.
Elkmont’s story begins in the early 1900s when Colonel W.B. Townsend, an enterprising figure from Pennsylvania, acquired a vast expanse of land in the Smokies. He established the Little River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad, which were pivotal in the region’s development. Initially, Elkmont served as a logging camp, but it soon transformed into a vibrant resort town, attracting visitors from Knoxville who were in search of a cool retreat from the summer heat.
The railroad, crucial for transporting lumber, also brought tourists, marking the beginning of Elkmont’s dual identity as both an industrial hub and a scenic getaway. By 1910, the Appalachian Club and the Wonderland Hotel were established, offering a rustic escape for the urban elite. These establishments played host to numerous social gatherings and were key in shaping Elkmont’s reputation as a desirable vacation spot.
However, the area’s fate changed with the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s. Logging activities ceased, and the park’s establishment preserved Elkmont’s natural beauty and historical structures. Today, while nature has reclaimed much of the area, remnants of Elkmont’s past, like the Appalachian Clubhouse and Wonderland Hotel, stand as silent witnesses to its storied history.
One notable episode in Elkmont’s history is the ‘Millionaires’ Row,’ a collection of luxurious cabins once owned by Knoxville’s affluent families. These cabins remain a testament to the area’s past allure and social dynamics. While some buildings have succumbed to time, restoration efforts continue to preserve this unique glimpse into early 20th-century leisure life.
As you wander through Elkmont, imagine the lively sounds of logging operations or the laughter and music of summer visitors. This district serves as a poignant reminder of the interplay between nature and human ambition, a narrative echoing throughout the Smoky Mountains.
