3 Interesting Facts About Sevierville TN History
Visiting the Smokies and Sevierville as they are today is always exciting and fun for guests. However, knowing a bit about the history of the area will help you to enjoy your time even more. Many of the places that are a part of the charm of Sevierville today are present due to their roots here in the hills of Tennessee. Here are 3 interesting facts about the history of the area.
1. Birthplace of America’s Sweetheart
On a cold January day in 1946 in a small cabin in Sevierville, TN a baby girl was born in Locust Ridge. Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth child to be born out of her parents’ twelve children and though she was born into a struggling farm family, she grew up to be one of the most loved celebrities of all time. Regardless of her success, Dolly has stayed true to her Smoky Mountains roots and over the years she has continued to bless the area time after time. Today thousands of guests visit Sevierville with hopes of connecting to Dolly’s life during their time at Dollywood, taking a selfie in downtown Sevierville by the Dolly statue, and even seeking out her childhood home. Dolly will forever be America’s sweetheart, but she has always been Sevierville’s sweetheart.
2. Downtown Sevierville
Downtown Sevierville is filled with history, beauty and Smoky Mountains roots. While you’re in town take a walk around downtown and explore historical spots like the Sevier County Courthouse. The courthouse was built in 1896 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historical building is the Sevierville Hardware building and of course you can stop off and take a photo with the infamous Dolly statue. Grab coffee at Honeybee Coffee, lunch at Graze Burgers, or treat yourself to a nice dinner at The Appalachian.
3. Five Oaks Farm
Our Sevierville hotel sits on the property that was once the Five Oaks Farm and the home of Dr. John W. Ogle and his wife Blanche. In 1925 Dr. Ogle and Blanche purchased 128 acres of land that would become known as Five Oaks after Dr. Ogle planted five small oak trees in the front yard. Dr. Ogle was a well known medical doctor that often treated his patients at home and traveled by horseback to all areas of Sevier County to treat his patients. On the farm the family bred Tennessee Walking horses, farmed the land, and welcomed guests as well as weary travelers. Today the land still remains in the family, but has shifted to meet the demands of today. Though modern day hotels, stores, and more now stand on the 128 acres, the family strives daily to keep their family traditions and values alive within each property. Their greatest goal is to pay homage to their beautiful family legacy and the Smokies while at the same time treating today’s guests with the same love and hospitality that their family provided one hundred years ago on the Five Oaks Farm.
Are you ready to visit Sevierville and explore all of the beautiful history of the area? Browse Our Guest Rooms!
