The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Sevierville from local author F. Carroll McMahan, with a foreword by Mayor Bryan Atchley. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by.
Sevierville, the first city many people see when they arrive in the Smoky Mountains, is located in a picturesque valley at the foot of the Smokies. Founded in 1795 and incorporated in 1901, it is the oldest city in Sevier County and the eighth-oldest town in Tennessee.
More than just a beautiful place to vacation, Sevierville has a rich heritage and history. Two centuries ago, Sevierville was a small, rural community with one church, two mills, one tavern, one trading post, two lawyers, and a stable for a courthouse. As the county seat, the town became an important commercial center.
One of Sevierville’s most breathtaking sights and enduring symbols is the classic clock tower on the historic courthouse, with majestic Mount LeConte as a backdrop. Just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville combines a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with ready access to hundreds of vacation attractions, shopping, and recreational opportunities.
Highlights of Sevierville:
- Images of floods and fires which have shaped Sevierville.
- Photographs taken by renowned local photographer, Edmund Patterson and images from the once popular Bashor’s Studio.
- Depictions of citizens living life, community leaders and special events.
- A special chapter of aerial views of the city.
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888)-313-2665.
About the Author of Sevierville
F. Carroll McMahan is a native of Sevierville. His family has lived in Sevier County for seven generations. With a life- long interest in history, he was delighted by the opportunity to compile and edit this photographic history of his hometown.
As the special projects facilitator for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, McMahan has taken every opportunity to promote the preservation of local history. He coordinates and writes the majority of the columns for the “Upland Chronicles,” a weekly article featuring local history stories for the Sunday edition of the Mountain Press. He established the Rose Glen Literary Festival, a successful event for local authors held annually at Walters State Community College, Sevier County Campus. He presents heritage programs at the annual Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, TN; conducts walking history tours of downtown Sevierville and volunteers at the King Family Library History Center.
McMahan is the 2012 recipient of the prestigious Community History Award, presented by the East Tennessee Historical Society and the Historical Preservation Recognition Award bestowed by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution-Spencer Clack Chapter.
