History

An isolated, generally self-sustaining community.

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History Details

Like all of the Smokies, Cades Cove was once the domain of the Cherokee tribe, and the valley was named for Chief Kade, who led a local community here. The first European settlers, John and Lucretia Oliver, arrived in the valley around 1820, and some of the buildings that are preserved in Cades Cove date back to these early days. Rich Mountain Road, formerly called Cades Cove Road, was once a Cherokee trail through leading to the valley through the mountains. This isolated community was generally self-sustaining, although residents sometimes ventured to the larger town of Maryville -- a three-day ride on horseback -- for medicine and other supplies and also to sell chestnuts from the valley's once abundant chestnut groves. By 1850, the population had boomed to 700 residents, with life centered on farming and religion, notably the Primitive Baptist Church established here in 1841. During the Civil War, Cades Cove was raided by Confederate bushwackers due to the residents' pro-Union and abolitionist sympathies. Later, it became a center of moonshining despite the opposition of the local religious community. Cades Cove residents were among the biggest opponents of establishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but by 1937 the last remaining resident -- ironically, a descendant of John and Lucretia Oliver -- was forced out.

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Cades Cove