Wheatlands
NW of Sevierville on Old Knoxville Hwy., Sevierville, TN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park covers over 500,000 acres and attracts millions of visitors each year.
In the late 18th century, settlers from the eastern United States began to migrate to the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. John Sevier, a Revolutionary War hero, played a significant role in the early development of the county. He served as the first governor of Tennessee and the county's namesake.
Sevier County saw rapid growth and development in the 19th century, driven by industries such as farming, logging, and mining. The establishment of the Little River Lumber Company in the early 1900s led to the logging boom, and the town of Townsend became a hub of timber activity. However, the devastating effects of deforestation and overlogging led to the decline of the timber industry in the mid-20th century.
The late 20th century saw the rise of tourism as the main industry in Sevier County. The opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 attracted visitors from all over the country, and the construction of the Gatlinburg Sky Lift and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort further increased tourism in the area. Today, Sevier County is known as a popular vacation destination, offering outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and attractions such as Dollywood, owned by country music star Dolly Parton.
Sevier County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Sevier County, Tennessee.
- 1783 - Sevier County is established by the State of North Carolina.
- 1794 - The county is named after John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee.
- 1801 - The first courthouse is built in Sevierville, the county seat.
- 1861-1865 - Sevier County is divided during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others supporting the Union.
- 1900s - Tourism begins to develop in Sevier County, with the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934.
- 1982 - Dollywood, a theme park owned by Dolly Parton, opens in Pigeon Forge.