When you come to visit the Smoky Mountains, you will have lots of opportunities to explore the fascinating history of the region. From historic sites that have been preserved, to homes of influential figures, and more, we wanted to help out by sharing some of the top historical spots to visit during your next getaway to the Smokies. Here are some of the top historic sites, churches, and pioneer cabins in Tennessee that you can check out:
1. Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin
The first of the locations we are discussing today is the Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin, a home that dates back to the late 1800s. It was lived in by the Ogle family, members of which played significant roles in the development of the Smoky Mountains. From the Ogles who arrived in the Smokies in the early 1800s, to later settlers such as Noah Ogle and his family (including his wife Lucinda and their 8 children), you can see pieces of the family’s history throughout the region. If you want to visit the Bud Ogle Cabin, you can access it via Cherokee Orchard Road near the start of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
2. John Oliver Cabin
Another of the pioneer cabins in Tennessee that you can check out while visiting the Smokies is the John Oliver Cabin. Located within Cades Cove, this spot is a great addition to a day-trip to the scenic valley. John Oliver and his wife, Lucretia, first moved to Cades Cove in the 1820s and were the first permanent European settlers in the area. The National Park Service has preserved the cabin while making only minimal changes for the purposes of restoration, so this is a great way to get a look at how the early settlers of the Smokies lived!
3. Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church
While you are visiting Cades Cove, there is another historic building that you can see, and that is the Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church! While the church itself underwent several iterations during the settlers’ early years in Cades Cove, the white church building that you can see today was completed in 1887. From seeing the building itself, to the cemetery with over 300 visible graves, and more, the Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church is an essential stop for any history lovers visiting the Smoky Mountains.
4. Elkmont Ghost Town
Last, but definitely not least, we have the Elkmont Ghost Town, an abandoned town that was once home to a thriving logging community. If you are looking to see a variety of historic buildings, this is an ideal spot for you, as there are 19 preserved buildings that you can check out here. The National Park Service completed restoration work on the Elkmont Ghost Town in 2024, so make sure to add this spot to your itinerary!
These historic sites, churches, and pioneer cabins in Tennessee provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the area’s early settlers, and make for a great addition to any vacation! Whether you are exploring these spots with your partner, taking the opportunity to teach your kids a bit about the past, or just admiring the structures, you are sure to have a great time. Plus, if you are looking for even more ways to connect with the area’s history, make sure to check out these ways to discover the history of the Smoky Mountains!
