History of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: From Pioneer Settlement to Smoky Mountain Destination

Early Beginnings: Life Before the Founding

Long before the first settlers arrived, the area that is now Pigeon Forge was home to Cherokee tribes who lived along the Little Pigeon River. The river’s name came from the abundance of passenger pigeons that once filled the skies, often seen flocking by the thousands across East Tennessee.

The Cherokee people relied on the fertile river valley for hunting, fishing, and farming. They built trails through the Smoky Mountains that later became the routes used by settlers, traders, and travelers.

By the late 1700s, European settlers began moving into the region, drawn by the land’s natural beauty and resources. The valleys near the river provided ideal locations for farming and water-powered mills, laying the foundation for what would become Pigeon Forge.

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The Forge That Named the Town

The name “Pigeon Forge” has a simple yet meaningful origin. In 1820, a man named Isaac Love built an iron forge along the Little Pigeon River. This blacksmith operation became the centerpiece of the small community that formed around it.

The forge, powered by the river’s steady current, produced iron goods, tools, and farm equipment, which were essential for the growing frontier settlement. The nearby Old Mill, constructed by Love’s son William in 1830, became another key part of the town’s identity — and remains one of Pigeon Forge’s most iconic landmarks today.

Together, the pigeons that filled the area and the forge that supported local life gave the town its now-famous name: Pigeon Forge.

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Life in the 19th Century: A Mountain Community

Throughout the 1800s, Pigeon Forge remained a small but tight-knit agricultural and industrial community. Families farmed the land, raised livestock, and relied on mills and small shops for trade.

The Old Mill served not only as a gristmill for grinding corn and wheat but also as a community gathering place. It became the economic and social heart of the area, where residents exchanged goods and news.

During this time, travel and communication were limited. Roads were little more than dirt paths, and the isolated location meant that life revolved around self-sufficiency. Religion and family were central to daily living, and local churches and schools played a vital role in maintaining community bonds.

The Civil War also reached Pigeon Forge, as East Tennessee was divided in its loyalties. Though no major battles were fought directly in the town, the region witnessed tension and hardship as Union and Confederate forces moved through the area.

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The 20th Century: Progress Comes to the Smokies

At the start of the 1900s, Pigeon Forge was still a quiet farming town, but big changes were on the horizon. The early 20th century brought the construction of better roads, new industries, and increased travel through East Tennessee.

The establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934 marked a turning point for the entire region. Located just a few miles from Pigeon Forge, the park quickly became a major attraction for nature lovers, hikers, and tourists.

The creation of the park brought new opportunities for nearby communities. While many families who lived within the park’s boundaries relocated, those in towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg began to see an influx of visitors eager to explore the Smokies.

Soon, tourism began to replace agriculture as the driving force of the local economy. Small motels, craft shops, and diners popped up to serve the growing number of travelers.

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The Rise of Tourism: 1950s to 1970s

By the 1950s, Pigeon Forge was transforming from a farming town into a true tourist destination. The completion of U.S. Highway 441, also known as the Parkway, connected the city directly to Gatlinburg and the entrance to the national park.

This easy access helped spark a wave of development. Families driving to the Smoky Mountains began stopping in Pigeon Forge to eat, shop, and rest — and entrepreneurs quickly recognized the opportunity.

Attractions such as mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and country stores started to appear along the Parkway. The once-quiet community was beginning to buzz with activity.

In 1961, the city of Pigeon Forge was officially incorporated, giving it the structure it needed to manage growth and tourism.

But the biggest transformation was yet to come — and it would arrive in the form of one of Tennessee’s most famous icons.