Gatlinburg, Tennessee: History, Demographics, and Attractions

Dollywood

Daredevil Falls

Dollywood features a variety of rides, including thrill, water, family and children's rides. This is a picture of Daredevil Falls, a thrill ride and boat expedition ending with a 60-foot drop.

If you want to know more about the city itself, you've come to the right place, because here you will find the history and demographics of Gatlinburg, as well as some ideas of what to do during your stay. This is a beautiful mountain town with a rich history that now thrives on tourism and the people who come to take part in all the Gatlinburg has to offer.

History

Nestled in the mountains of East Tennessee and surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this resort-like destination has grown from a tiny rural hamlet to a thriving community. The history of Gatlinburg is as follows:

• Originally named White Oak Flats because of the many white oak trees, Gatlinburg was settled in the early 1800s.
• Prior to being settled by the pioneers, the land's only inhabitants were the Native American tribes and the thick, dense forests.
• In 1854, Radford C. Gatlin arrived and opened the town's second general store. Though much controversy surrounded this man and he was eventually banished from the community, the town still bears his name.
• During the Civil War, Gatlinburg had soldiers on both sides, but as a town it tried to remain neutral. It was raided many times by both the North and the South and saw much deprivation and poverty during this time and the years following.
• In 1912, a public settlement school was formed, bringing arts and education to the area.
• The end of World War II saw a huge increase in tourism, and with the National Park already having been established, Gatlinburg soon grew into a destination and resort community.
• The city incorporated in 1945.

Demographics

According to the 2000 US census data:

• The population of Gatlinburg is 3,382. 
• There are 3,993 housing units.

As of 2005:

• The population is 5,672.
• Just over 97% of the population is Caucasian.
• Median household income is $38.035.
• Median home cost: $191,800.
• Cost of living index is 93.4.

According to 2004 data, there are 583 business establishments, the majority of which are either retail or food service industries.

What to do in Gatlinburg

There is so much to do and see in Gatlinburg that you can't help but have a good time. The following is just a short list of a few ideas, but there's much more!

• Dollywood
• RainForest Adventures
• Tennessee Smokies Baseball
• Gatlinburg SkyLift
• Hard Rock Café
• Scenic Helicopter Tours
• Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre

So come take a trip to the beautiful Smoky Moutains where relaxation and recreation await!