Great Smoky Mountains resort community incorporated a half-century ago
It was 50 years ago that Pigeon Forge went from being a little community in Sevier County to an incorporated municipality, and recollections of its early days as a city will be part of Wilderness Wildlife Week.
A photo exhibition, a panel discussion, an opportunity to record an oral history and a chance to converse with early residents are spread through the week, Jan. 8-15.
“While the focus of Wilderness Wildlife Week is on Great Smoky Mountains National Park and numerous outdoor topics, this is a great opportunity to tell our guests about Pigeon Forge. It’s also a good time for area residents to add to our history,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
The anniversary will be recognized during these Wilderness Wildlife Week activities at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center:
- “Pigeon Forge Celebrates 50 Years” on Tuesday, Jan. 11, will include a presentation of historic photos narrated by Veta King, historian for the Pigeon Forge Public Library, and reminiscences from Pigeon Forge’s first city manager, Dan Conner, and current City Manager Earlene Teaster. Teaster began her tenure with the city as the city clerk in the year of incorporation, 1961.
- Historic photos of Pigeon Forge will be on display throughout Wilderness Wildlife Week in a display room that also features entries in the week’s outdoor photography contest.
- Area residents are invited to record three- to five-minute stories about Pigeon Forge on Wednesday, Jan. 12. The stories will be compiled into a larger oral history of the city.
- A Pigeon Forge booth will be in Wilderness Wildlife Week’s exhibitor hall throughout the week, and numerous early residents will staff the booth to talk with visitors.
“When Pigeon Forge incorporated, there were about 1,000 residents and 52 businesses. What a difference 50 years make,” King said.
In addition to the activities about the city’s anniversary, Wilderness Wildlife Week offers 235 programs about nature photography, bears, butterflies, elk, camping skills, outdoor safety and scores of other topics. Almost two dozen are devoted to youngsters. Almost 200 experts volunteer to lead the week’s programs. Admission is free.
Other special programming includes
- AppalachiaFest – A musical celebration of mountain music and dancing (audience participation encouraged) featuring several bands on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
- Cade Cove Memories – Five special programs on Saturday, Jan. 15, organized by the Cades Cove Preservation Association that will focus on this popular portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Wilderness Wildlife Week is presented by the City of Pigeon Forge to encourage winter visitation and to salute Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The full agenda is online at www.MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife
