42 Planning & Itineraries 43
Planning & Itineraries
Tour Guide Notes
PIGEON FORGE HISTORY
- The earliest recorded history of what is now Pigeon Forge dates to the Cherokee and other Eastern tribes of Native Americans who used the area for hunting grounds .
- The first European 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
Share more about Pigeon Forge ’ s history with your group by pointing out the 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 , MyPigeonForge . com / history
WINTERFEST LIGHTS DRIVING TOUR
Dozens of displays adorned with millions of twinkling lights are the hallmark of Winterfest in Pigeon Forge . Your group can see them all on a self-guided driving tour . Maps are provided online at MyPigeonForge . com / winterfest , and you can schedule your tour at your leisure .
FOR MORE INFORMATION , visit MyPigeonForge . com / winterfest