Gatlinburg is a town that showcases deep-rooted feelings of community & traditions even more so than most in Tennessee. We would like to share a few stories of the original roots and history of this beautiful Smoky Mountain area with you.

In 1807 Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, her children & several family members arrived in a remote location in the East Tennessee Smokies. They were pursuing her late husband’s desire to settle in the “land of paradise”. The building of The Ogle Cabin was the event that marked the settlement of White Oak Flats, what we now know as Gatlinburg. Great Grandson Andrew Ogle & his family were the last of the family to live in The Ogle Cabin, abandoning it around 1910. It was later sold to the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity.

Why the name change? It was originally known as White Oak Flats because of the abundance of native white oak trees in the landscape. In 1854, Radford C. Gatlin came to the area & opened a general store in the village. In 1856 the area’s first post office opened in his store and the town name changed to Gatlinburg. Although controversy soon surrounded Mr. Gatlin, resulting in his banishment from the community, the city still carries his name.

In 1912, a public settlement school was developed by the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. The school provided practical education and contributed to the rebirth of the “cottage craft industry” movement. Currently located on the old Pi Beta Phi school grounds at 556 Parkway, you will find the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. A nationally renowned center of arts & crafts education, it offers year round courses for college credit. 

The Tennessee Heritage Trail has been developed by the state to highlight the culture, history & diversity of the area. Numerous Gatlinburg locations are an integral part of the trail. It has been divided into three different paths to offer a wide range of experiences; The Arts & Crafts Trail, The History Trail & The Music Trail. Many treasures of the Smoky Mountain heritage are available along the way. We hope that next time you are in the area you will treat yourself to a tour along the trail & discover more about the events, people & traditions that built this mountain community.

Living in this rich cultural area surrounded by the beauty of The Great Smoky Mountains is truly breathtaking as William Ogle believed back in the early 1800’s. As “Your Guides To The Best Of The Great Smoky Mountains”, we hope you will choose The Jason White Team when it is time to begin your own discovery of the area & the vast real estate opportunities available. Begin your journey to a home in The Great Smoky Mountains by visiting our website.

Have your own stories and fun facts to share about the area? We would love to hear from you, share them with us on Facebook.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

 

Wide Open Spaces Dances With Bears is a spacious chalet with soaring ceilings and an open floor plan. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $179,900 Get more information >

 

Mountain Streams/View/Private Home Fantastic creekside location on 1.84 acres in beautiful Pittman Center. Enjoy the ridge top views and private mountain stream from this log cabin. If privacy is what you want this is it. Even a level driveway and easy parking. Comm swimming pool access. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $249,900 Get more information >

 

Fantastic Rental Income & Mtn View! Incredible furnished rental with fantastic Mt LeConte view. Lots of decks w/hot tub to enjoy the view. Bedroom suites with recreation room and kitchenette for entertaining. Lots of room for large groups. Sleeps 18. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $399,900 Get more information >