European Settlement

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto led the first group of Europeans to explore the Appalachian Mountains, including the Great Smokies, and encountered the Cherokee tribe during his travels in 1540. Spanish efforts to establish permanent forts in the region were thwarted by native attacks. Near the end of the 18th century, however, the first European homesteaders began arriving in the Oconaluftee River Valley, and later established permanent communities, such as at Cades Cove. These early settlers, isolated in their mountain homes, lived close to the land, establishing a reputation of rugged self-sufficiency that endured into the 20th century.