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Shay locomotive
Sawmill equipment
Cardwell Cabin
Mountain Farm Museum"The Quiet Side of the Smokies"
"Townsend"
Prior to the first white settlers' arrival in the late 1700's, the Cherokees called this area "Tuckaleechee", which means "peaceful valley". In 1900, a group of Pennsylvanians made their way to Tuckaleechee Cove, lead by Wilson B. Townsend. He bought 80,000 acres of land and formed the Little River Lumber Company. In order to log the rugged terrain, he had to build a railroad, as well. After renaming the place after himself, it became a logging town. Soon thereafter, the logging began to wane, and visitors started piling in. The rails were removed, but provided the beginnings of roads and trails into what would soon become Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
"Birth of a National Park"
In the mid 1930's, much of the forest land originally purchased by W.B. Townsend was sold to the State of Tennessee then, subsequently handed over to the National Park Service. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States.
"Smoky Mountain Serenity"
Most people, when planning a trip to the Smokies, think of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. While both unique, they have lost themselves in a sea of tourists, attractions unrelated to the area, and traffic jams. These are the kinds of things I like to avoid when visiting a National Park...and I know I am not alone. That's why Townsend is perfect for those of us who want to get away from bright lights, souvenir shops, and fancy restaurants. There is a reason they trademarked "The Quiet Side of the Smokies"...they have every intention of keeping it that way. There are many different types of accomodations, restaurants, and activities without the frills and hassle!
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