Historical Marker

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Historical marker location:
Cherokee, North Carolina
( Marker is on U.S. 441.)
Marker installed: 1976

  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

The state's official bird, the cardinal, is also the state bird of six other states.
North Carolina random facts
Swain County, located in western North Carolina, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The land was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, who were forced to relocate during the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. The county was officially established in 1871 and was named after David L. Swain, the former governor of North Carolina and president of the University of North Carolina.

The logging industry played a significant role in the early history of Swain County. The area was rich in timber resources, and logging became a major economic activity. Sawmills were established throughout the county, and timber was transported using the Little Tennessee River and its tributaries. As the logging industry grew, so did the population of Swain County.

In the early 20th century, the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Little Tennessee River led to the creation of Fontana Lake. The flooding of the valley forced the residents of several small communities, including the historic town of Proctor, to relocate. The creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 further impacted Swain County, as thousands of acres of land were acquired for the park, displacing hundreds of residents.

In recent years, Swain County has focused on revitalizing its economy through tourism and outdoor recreation. The county is home to part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. The town of Bryson City, the county seat, has also become a hub for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting and fishing. Despite the challenges it has faced throughout its history, Swain County continues to thrive as a beautiful and vibrant community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Swain County, North Carolina.

  • 1871: Swain County is established from parts of Jackson County and Macon County.
  • 1873: Bryson City is incorporated as the county seat.
  • 1882: The county's first high school, Swain County High School, is established.
  • 1889: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established in part of Swain County.
  • 1911: The county's first newspaper, The Bryson City Times, is published.
  • 1928: The construction of Fontana Dam begins, which leads to the flooding of portions of Swain County to create Fontana Lake.
  • 1943: The construction of Fontana Dam is completed.
  • 1964: The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is opened in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • 1983: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad begins operations, offering scenic train rides through Swain County.
  • 1997: The Cherokee Indian Reservation, located partially in Swain County, opens Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort.
  • 2010: The total population of Swain County reaches over 13,000 residents.