The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a rich history, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about it via the number of preserved historical buildings in the area. The preservation of these buildings is important because the legacy of the settlers lives on through their hard work. Some recent preservation efforts in a popular place in the national park are now complete, so here are the details about the restoration in the Elkmont Ghost Town:
About the Elkmont Restoration
The restoration efforts of the Elkmont Ghost Town began in 2009. The settlers who built and lived in the cabins long ago helped advocate for the establishment of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Therefore, it was important to preserve their hard work. When the area was assessed, only 19 out of 60 structures could be restored. A non-profit organization called Friends of the Smokies established a $9 million endowment to help with funding for the restoration. The carpentry team on the project was tasked with maintaining both the uniqueness and integrity of each building which proved to be challenging at times. They had to match old paint shades and use original materials. One cabin took 3 years alone to restore. Even so, the hard work is well worth it as tourists love exploring the fascinating “ghost town.”
The History of Elkmont Ghost Town
The land that would become the Elkmont Ghost Town was initially purchased by a settler named Robert Trentham. He lived on the land and built a cabin there in the 1830s. Trentham passed the land down to his son who later sold it to William B. Townsend. Townsend founded the Little River Lumber Company here and established the Little River Railroad to transport the logs. Tourists wanted to admire the scenic area, and he saw this as a business opportunity. Townsend used the railroad to take tourists on a train tour called the “Elkmont Special.” The tourists that stuck around eventually transformed the area into a resort community and built cabins. The town was quickly deserted when the national park was established which is why it is now deemed a “ghost town.”
How to Find the Elkmont Ghost Town
During your next visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you should definitely go see the Elkmont Ghost Town for yourself. You can get to it by hiking the Elkmont Nature Trail. It is great for all skill levels, especially beginners. The route is 0.8 miles round-trip and has flat terrain. Before you get to the ghost town, there will be a creek to pass over. Be sure to use the handrail for stability. When you come upon the Elkmont Ghost Town, take a few moments to admire all the unique buildings. You can even look into some of the structures. Imagine how fun it must have been for the hard-working settlers to vacation there! The beautiful scenery definitely made for a relaxing atmosphere.
Now you know all about the restoration of buildings in the Elkmont Ghost Town. Want to know more about the trail leading to this hidden area of the national park? Check out our guide to hiking the Elkmont Nature Trail in the Smoky Mountains!
