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PLANNER NOTES
ESCORT NOTES
Pigeon Forge History
The earliest recorded history of what is now Pigeon vast number of now-extinct passenger pigeons that
Forge was when the Cherokee and other Eastern fed along the river.
tribes of American Indians used the area for hunting
grounds. The first white settlers began arriving
around 1781.
By 1820, Isaac Love established and was operating
a furnace and iron forge near one of two mills along
the Little Pigeon River. The name Pigeon Forge is
a combination of the ironworks and the river that
flows through town. The river’s name refers to the
By the early 1900s, Pigeon Forge was a hub of activity
with businesses clustered around the Old Mill, including
a bottling shop, cannery and blacksmith shop.
Great Smoky Mountains began luring visitors to the
area by the 1930s, and guest cottages began springing
up along the river. Today, millions of guests visit
Pigeon Forge each year.
Historic-Marker Driving Tour
Our Smoky Mountain town has a rich history. You can learn interesting facts about Pigeon Forge by driving
to various historical markers placed throughout town. For example, near the Old Mill, you’ll find a marker that
describes how Pigeon Forge got its name and offers information about one of the town’s first businesses.
Winterfest Lights Driving Tour
Dozens of displays adorned with millions of twinkling
lights are the hallmark of Winterfest in Pigeon
Forge. See them all on a self-guided driving tour.
We provide the maps, and you can schedule your
tour at your leisure.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
MyPigeonForge.com/History