More than 600 acres that once belonged to one of the first white settlers in the area now home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is being donated to the park by the Foothills Land Conservancy (FLC).
The 638-acre parcel, known as the Oliver Tract, is expected to be transferred to the National Park Service early next month. The conservancy is set to close on purchase of the property June 8, and then intends to transfer it to the national park.
“This is exactly the kind of project Foothills Land Conservancy was created to do,” said FLC Executive Director Mark Stevans earlier this month. “The Smokies are part of the identity of East Tennessee. Protecting land of this scale, in a location this important, is rare. Opportunities like this do not come around often.”
The land near the western border of the park near Townsend, Tenn., contains forest, ridgelines, and wildlife habitat. Interestingly, the cabin of John Oliver, who was a War of 1812 veteran, stands today in the park's Cades Cove.
According to the Park Service, Cades Cove appeared much differently in 1818 when Oliver and his wife and young daughter arrived there from how it looks today. "When the Olivers arrived, it had not yet been extensively cleared for agriculture and was densely forested except for the west end of the cove which was swampland," the Park Service notes. "The Olivers decided to settle on the drier east end of the cove."
The conservancy said that "Oliver family legacy remains deeply connected to the cultural identity of the Smokies, making the preservation of the property significant not only environmentally but historically.”
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
