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TO U R P L A N N I N G S E R V I C E S
TO U R P L A N N I N G S E R V I C E S
Escort Notes
PIGEON FORGE HISTORY
The earliest recorded history of what is now Pigeon
Forge was when the Cherokee and other Eastern
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
vast number of now-extinct passenger pigeons that
fed along the river.
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.
The 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. A list identifying the city’s historical markers and
their locations is available at CityofPigeonForge.com/Library.
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
MyPigeonForge.com/history
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/lights
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