You are here

Home » Got Long Ties to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Park Officials Want to Hear From You

Got Long Ties to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Park Officials Want to Hear From You

Share

Published Date

July 14, 2009

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are looking for folks with ties to the landscape that became the park. The Palmer Chapel is one of the historic buildings that predated the park. Kurt Repanshek photo.

Were you born on the landscape now covered by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or were you perhaps a member of a Civil Conservation Corps group that worked in the park? Or were you in attendance when President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940? If you fall into any of those groups, park officials want to hear from you.

The reason is that this is the park's 75th anniversary, and park officials want to celebrate in part by tapping into the memories of those with strong ties to the park's early days.

Although the Park was authorized by Congress in 1926, it wasn't established until June 15, 1934, and even then it wasn’t until six years later, on September 2, 1940, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the national park with a speech given from Newfound Gap.

In the years between authorization and dedication, there was a flurry of activity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Citizens in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee raised money to purchase the land for the park. Hundreds of families sold their homes and land (some were forced to do so) and moved from the newly created national park. Young men from all over the country arrived to serve in the Civilian Conservation Corps, building roads, bridges, trails and buildings to serve visitors to the new park. Finally, thousands of people gathered as the President dedicated the park “to the free people of America.”

This year park officials view the 75th anniversary as "an opportunity for the Park to reconnect with some of these people, and continue their legacy of stewardship."

“This year we are making a special effort to recognize these former park families for their sacrifice in giving up their homes for the enjoyment of future generations. We are also proud to honor those former CCC “boys” who worked so hard to create the infrastructure that has enabled over 400 million visitors to enjoy their national park,” says Great Smoky Superintendent Dale Ditmanson.

Now, if you or a family member belongs to any one of the groups mentioned above, the park would like you to contact 75th Anniversary Coordinator Ann Froschauer at (865) 436-7318 x349 by July 24.

For more information about the 75th Anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.GreatSmokies75th.org.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Craig W. on July 15, 2009 - 4:13am.

My great uncle has traced his roots to Cades Cove. He's an Oliver.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.