The
History of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
During the late 1700s, settlers from the Carolinas
followed old Indian trails through the Smoky Mountains
along the Pigeon River to what is today, known as Pigeon
Forge. Pioneer Isaac Love established an iron forge in
1820 and his son, William, built a tub mill ten years
later.
The Old Mill, now a National Historic Site,
remains operational. The iron forge and the flocks of
pigeons that fed along the river banks in the early
years gave the town its name.
Pigeon Forge continued as a sleepy farming community
until the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park was
dedicated in 1940. The town slowly began to grow,
incorporating in 1961. The tourism boom hit the city in
1982 and since then, growth has been rapid and Pigeon
Forge has become one of the most popular vacation
destinations in the Southeast United States.
Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in
eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge is within a day's drive
of two-thirds of the nation's population east of the
Mississippi River. The resort town is 33 miles southeast
of Knoxville, four miles south of Sevierville, six miles
north of Gatlinburg and five miles north of the most
popular park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National
Park.
Today,
Pigeon Forge is a town built for family fun!
Voted one of the South's favorite shopping spots by
Southern Living readers, Pigeon Forge is equally famous
for its more than 200 factory outlets and specialty
stores. Packed with music theaters and family
attractions, it is also home to the state's top
attractions. The climate in Pigeon Forge is almost
perfect. Summer is usually balmy with an average
temperature of 84 degrees. Winter is moderately cold
with an average temperature of 40 degrees. The family
atmosphere in Pigeon Forge lends itself to casual
attire. Light clothing for the summer is best and layers
work well in the winter. If you’re heading into the
Smoky Mountains, take along a jacket since the
temperatures are cooler at higher elevations.
Knoxville's McGhee-Tyson Airport is only 40 miles away
and is served by eleven airlines with connecting
services from cities including Memphis, Houston, New
York/Newark, St. Louis and Philadelphia. The
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Airport, seven miles from
Pigeon
Forge, has complete airport facilities for small private
aircrafts. |
