View of Mount Le Conte, Thompson Brothers. (University of Tennessee Libraries.)
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Birth of a National Park symposium and related events! It truly was a memorable experience.
The three-day event celebrated the 100th anniversary of when Knoxville leaders and outdoor enthusiasts took an idea by Annie Davis and created a remarkable grassroots movement to establish a new national park in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Renowned historians and authors told the stories of the Knoxville civic leaders, conservationists, and trailblazers who led pioneering efforts, against all odds, to make the new national park a reality.
July 2024 marks 100 years exactly since Col. David Chapman, leader of the newly created Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association, sent Knoxville photographer Jim Thompson on a mission: to present the best of his Smoky Mountains photographs to impress the Southern Appalachian Park Commissioners who were charged with recommending the location for the second national park in the eastern United States. The rest is history, albeit a complex one.
This three-day event included:
Thurs. July 25 at 7:00 p.m. – a special screening of Stark Love, a rarely seen 1927 silent film shot in the mountains starring Knoxville actress Helen Mundy, with a live score performed by Freddy Brabson. In partnership with Bradley Reeves and Smoky Mountain Radio at Central Cinema, 1205 N. Central Street.
Fri. July 26 and Sat. July 27 – a two-day educational symposium with programs by Jack Neely, Paul James, Laura Still, Janine Winfrey, and respected Smokies’ authors, including David Brill, Prof. Daniel S. Pierce and Prof. Emeritus Ken Wise at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street. Free event but registration required.
Fri. July 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Bijou Theatre – Portraits of the Smokies: Celebrating the enduring photographers, filmmakers, and other visual artists of the national park movement during the 1920s. This special multi-media evening, in partnership with the Knox County Public Library’s McClung Historical Collection and the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound, will feature new high quality film transfers and stunning images of mountain views, vistas, and outdoor enthusiasts including Jim Thompson, Jack Huff, Carlos Campbell, and others. A highlight will be some rare 1920s color film footage of the Smokies.
Friday, July 26 at the East Tennessee History Center
9:30 a.m. Coffee reception
10:00 a.m. Welcome remarks
10:15 a.m. CHOOSE FROM OPTION A or B
“Option A” – Downtown Conservation Walking Tour: Where turning points in the park movement events actually happened
Take a stroll around downtown with Laura Still of Downtown Walking Tours for an informative interpretive tour of the locations of pivotal events during the Smokies park movement of 1923-1935, including the sites of the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association (and of the much-later fistfight between two of the park’s most famous leaders); what remains of the bank where governors and Smokies leaders received the critical Rockefeller grant; the hotel where Smokies advocates met with Department of the Interior officials; the building where Amelia Earhart stayed when she came to see the Smokies; and other sites of mass meetings and private conferences—plus one familiar but surprising building where some famous early conservationist leaders lived. Still is the author of A Haunted History of Knoxville and several essays in KHP’s Knoxville Lives series. (NOTE: This same tour is offered again on Saturday morning but with Jack Neely leading the tour. When registering, please select only one walking tour to allow others to participate. Thank you.)
10:15 a.m. Option B – The Local Esprit de Corps: Knoxville leaders & explorers of the Smokies
Presented by Paul James. A look at some of the determined captains of industry, automobile pioneers, and lawyers who created a sustainable grassroots movement; plus, some of the outdoor enthusiasts who blazed trails, served as trail guides for visiting officials, took photographs and created posters and maps. Together these men and women fostered a passion for the Smokies within the Knoxville community and beyond that continues to this day. James serves as the director of publishing and development for the Knoxville History Project and is the author of this event’s accompanying booklet, as well as the author of Ijams Nature Center, and co-author of Downtown Knoxville with Jack Neely. Previously, he served as executive director at Ijams Nature Center for 12 years.
Noon: The Queen City of the Mountains: How a crowded, noisy, sooty city helped deliver to America one of its most beautiful national parks
Keynote address presented by Jack Neely. From the annual celebration of the mystical Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains to the number-crunching lawyers, bankers, and businessmen of Gay Street’s office towers, Knoxville played a critical role in making the national park happen. Historian, author, and executive director of the Knoxville History Project, Neely will discuss the birth of the Smokies within the context of the national park movement—also considering Knoxville’s own unique history, and why it happened here.
Jack Neely is the author Neely is a longtime journalist whose award-winning column, “Secret History,” appeared in Metro Pulse for more than 20 years. He’s author of numerous books, including, Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitors Guide, The Tennessee Theatre: A Grand Entertainment Palace, Market Square: The History of the Most Democratic Place on Earth, and Knoxville, Tennessee: This Obscure Prismatic City, Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide, Knoxville’s Old City: A Short History, and many others.
1:30 p.m. A Remarkable Duo on Mount Le Conte: Paul Adams and his legendary faithful companion Smoky Jack
Presented by Prof. Emeritus Ken Wise. In 1925, Paul Adams, a young outdoorsman and naturalist from Knoxville, purchased a trained police dog to be a companion and security guard while developing the first formal campsite on Mt Le Conte. Complete with custom leather saddlebags, Smoky Jack more than earned his keep during the couple’s year on the mountain peak. Wise, a retired UT Professor, is the author of Hiking Trails of the Great Smoky Mountains, and editor of two books based on Paul Adams’ journals, Mount Le Conte and Smoky Jack.
3:15 p.m. Godfearing, Hustling, Successful, Two-Fisted Regular Guys: Crossing state lines in the 1920s
Presented by Daniel S. Pierce, Ph.D. Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses trails and arresting views in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Political visions and pressures from logging companies during the Smokies park movement in the 1920s often created sharp tensions as well as warm camaraderie across state lines. The Mountain South Distinguished Professor of History at University of North Carolina in Asheville, Pierce is the author of several Smokies books, including Great Smokies: From Natural Habitat to National Park, and co-author of Illustrated Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Saturday, July 27 at the East Tennessee History Center
9:30 a.m. Coffee Reception
10:00 a.m. Welcome remarks and symposium overview
10:15 a.m. CHOOSE FROM OPTION A or B:
“Option A” – Downtown Conservation Walking Tour: Where turning points in the park movement events actually happened
Take a stroll around downtown with Jack Neely, executive director of the Knoxville History Project, for an informative interpretive tour of the locations of pivotal events during the Smokies park movement of 1923-1935, including the sites of the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association (and of the much-later fistfight between two of the park’s most famous leaders); what remains of the bank where governors and Smokies leaders received the critical Rockefeller grant; the hotel where Smokies advocates met with Department of the Interior officials; the building where Amelia Earhart stayed when she came to see the Smokies; and other sites of mass meetings and private conferences—plus one familiar but surprising building where some famous early conservationist leaders lived. (NOTE: This same tour is offered on Friday morning but with Laura Still leading the tour. When registering, please select only one walking tour to allow others to participate. Thank you.)
“Option B Part 1” – In the Heart of the Mountains: Author and photographer Laura Thornburgh’s passion for the Smokies
Presented by Janine Winfree. Author Laura Thornburgh is best known for her 1937 guidebook Great Smoky Mountains, but her interests extended far beyond tourism. Her passion for both the beauty of the mountains and the culture of its people inspired Thornburgh to share stories and photographs of the Smokies with the world. Winfree is the assistant audiovisual archivist for the McClung Historical Collection and author of a biographical essay on Thornburgh in KHP’s publication Knoxville Lives V.
11:00 a.m. “Option B Part 2”- Exploring Smokies History from Home: Recommended books and digital collections
Presented by Paul James. A brief review of some of the key books on the history of the Great Smoky Mountains that cover the park movement and the adventures of Knoxville’s outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, a look at the fascinating Smokies digital collections currently online.
Noon: On the path of Benton MacKaye: An Appalachian trail hiker passes through the Smokies en route to Maine
Presented by David Brill. In 1921, Benton MacKaye published a planning document calling for creation of a long-distance footpath along the Appalachian “skyline.” Sixteen years later (as MacKaye moved to Knoxville to work for TVA, and also to begin discussions that led to the creation of the Wilderness Society) the Appalachian Trail was complete, stretching more than 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine. In 1979, MacKaye’s realized vision enticed hiker Brill to follow the AT’s white blazes from end to end. In traversing 72 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Brill followed in the footsteps of some early park stalwarts, including Harvey Broome, Carlos Campbell, and members of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. Brill’s articles have appeared in more than 30 national magazines, and he is the author of five nonfiction books, including As Far as the Eye Can See: Reflections of an Appalachian Trail Hiker and Into the Mist: Tales of Death and Disaster, Mishaps and Misdeeds, Misfortune and Mayhem in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
2:00 p.m. Mountain Sketches: Artists inspired by the Great Smokies
A panel discussion with Jack Neely, Stephen Wicks and Steve Cotham. Several notable local and visiting artists such as James Cameron, Charles C. Krutch, Robert Lindsay Mason, Mary Grainger, and others were inspired by the mountain peaks visible from Knoxville before and during the Smokies park movement. Stephen Wicks (pictured far left) is the curator at the Knoxville Museum of Art; Steve Cotham (right) is the retired manager of the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection.
3:30 p.m. Finale: Join us for a slice of anniversary cake in our wrap-up social hour to celebrate the anniversary of the Smokies Park movement.
Great Smoky Mountains photographed by Carlos Campbell. (Courtesy of Rebecca Campbell Arrants.)
Although many Knoxvillians contributed brains and brawn to the Smokies national park movement, the following individuals are highlighted for their lasting contributions, including books, photographs, maps, drawings, as well as those who led organizations and committees, some of whom are have roads, mountain peaks, and scenic overlooks named after them.
(Honorary mentions go to those attending the founding meeting of GSMCA with Willis Davis, including Judge H. B. Lindsay, Forrest Andrews, Judge D. C. Webb, David C. Chapman, Cowan Rodgers, James B. Wright, and J. W. Brownlee.)
PAUL J. ADAMS (1901-1985)
Naturalist, explorer and trail guide, Adams served as Field Secretary for GSMCA while developing the first formal campsite on Mount Le Conte in 1925. He taught his faithful German Shephard, Smoky Jack, to fetch and carry supplies on his own using leather saddlebags on the dog’s back from the top of Mt. Le Conte down to the general store in Gatlinburg and back again. Adams’ adventures in the Smokies form two books, Mount Le Conte and Smoky Jack, both published by UT Press.
Related article: Paul Adams’ Contributions to Tennessee Natural History
Paul Adams on University of Tennessee Libraries digital collection
A Knoxville attorney, Broome served as President of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and was a staunch ally of the Smokies movement, especially during a period of political upheaval with the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountain Park Commission in the early 1930s. Along with other leading conservationists, including Benton MacKaye and Aldo Leopold, Broome co-founded the Wilderness Society in 1935. Out Under the Sky of the Great Smokies was published in 1975 featuring selections from his own journals.
CARLOS C. CAMPBELL (1892-1978)
As manager of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Campbell saw the benefits to Knoxville and the region through a new national park. After hiking many times with Jim Thompson, he took up photography and shared his pictures to illustrate articles in national magazines including National Geographic. Campbell was a co-founder of the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club and a long-serving member of the GSMCA. His book, Birth of a National Park in the Great Smoky Mountains (1960), remains the definitive history of the Smokies park movement. Hi memoir, memories of Old Smoky was published posthumously in 2005. The Carlos Campbell Overlook on US Highway 441 within the park looks up to Mt. Le Conte.
COL. DAVID CHAPMAN (1876-1944)
In recognition of his tireless efforts as leader of GSMCA and helping acquire more 6,600 property parcels to establish the park, Chapman is known as the “Father” of GSMNP. As a veteran of the Spanish-American War, a community leader and civic booster, he was a tenacious organizer and fundraiser who played a pivotal role in securing the largest and most important gift to the park campaign: $5 million from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in memory of his mother, Laura Spelman Rockefeller. Mount Chapman within the park is named in honor, as is Chapman Highway, the road that connects Knoxville to the Smokies.
BROCKWAY CROUCH (1896-1971)
Naturalist, trailblazer, and inventor, Crouch was a Knoxville florist and a staunch supporter of the Smokies movement. His business, Flowercraft, was a downtown rallying point for hikers and birders in the 1920s.
He was a co-founder of both the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and the East Tennessee Ornithological Society and served on the Smoky Mountains Nomenclature Committee (charged with reducing the duplication of place names) with Jim Thompson and Robert Lindsay Mason.
ANNE DAVIS (1875-1975)
On the return trip from visiting national parks in the west in 1923, Annie remarked to her husband, “We have seen some beautiful country and grand mountains, but nothing more beautiful and majestic than our own Great Smokies. Why shouldn’t our own Great Smokies be made a national park?”
One of Knoxville’s first female elected officials, she later served a Representative in the State Legislature and played a pivotal role in the first substantial land acquisition.
She is known as the “Mother” of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
WILLIS DAVIS (1859-1931)
Respected in the community as the head of Knoxville Iron Co., Davis was well positioned to interest others in his wife’s idea. He quickly gained the support of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Congressman J. Will Taylor, and fellow leaders of the Knoxville Automobile Club.
By December 1923, a new organization was established to make the idea a reality: the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association (GSMCA).
HARRY IJAMS (1876-1954)
A respected naturalist and conservationist, Ijams began exploring the Smokies in the 1890s. As a founding member of East Tennessee Ornithological Society, he was one of the first to study birds in the Smokies during the early 1920s. But it was his artistry as an illustrator of maps and postcards that helped promote the growing public appreciation for the wonders and benefits of the proposed park.
His former home and acreage form the spiritual core of Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville.
ROBERT LINDSAY MASON (1874-1952)
A talented artist and writer, Mason wrote the first book about the mountains, The Lure of the Great Smokies in 1927w, which included many of his own photographs. As a member of Knoxville’s Nicholson Art League (he was a young associate of Lloyd Branson and Catherine Wiley, Knoxville’s most respected artists), he established the Mason School of Art in East Knoxville.
Mason also served on the Smoky Mountains Nomenclature Committee.
BEN MORTON (1874-1952)
An early champion of automobiles and good roads, Morton is occasionally known as the “Co-Father of the Smokies.” As Knoxville Mayor during the mid-1920s, he led the City of Knoxville to contribute a third of the purchase price for the first major property acquisition – 76,507 acres from the Little River Lumber Co. in 1927. The same year he served alongside Col. David Chapman on the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountain Park Commission, charged with acquiring property for the new park.
The Ben Morton Overlook within the park is situated on US Highway 441 just below Newfound Gap.
ALBERT “DUTCH ROTH” (1890-1974)
A co-founder of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, Roth, like Carlos Campbell, hiked thousands of miles through the Smokies and completed more than a hundred treks up Mount Le Conte during his lifetime. Wherever he went he captured majestic landscapes through his camera lens.
Many of Roth’s photographs documenting his many hikes and adventures are viewable on UT Libraries’s digital collection: Albert “Dutch” Roth Photograph Collection as well as his Roth’s unpublished memoir, Tales from Woods.
JAMES E. (JIM) THOMPSON (1880-1976)
Knoxville’s most prolific photographer, Thompson began taking pictures in the Smokies almost a decade before the park movement. But as official photographer for GSMCA, his extraordinary photographs greatly influenced the Southern Appalachian Park Committee’s choice of location for a national park. He also worked tirelessly on the Smoky Mountains Nomenclature Committee and helped develop the Appalachian Trail section through the Smokies. Thompson left behind a remarkable visual legacy – hundreds of his photos are viewable online through the McClung Historical Collection and University of Tennessee Library digital collections.
LAURA THORNBURGH (1885-1973)
Beginning her career as a Knoxville newspaper journalist, Thornburgh became a film editor for the USDA’s picture division in 1918. After moving to Gatlinburg in the mid-1902s, she began to document the mountains and mountain folk through writings and photography.
Her book, The Great Smoky Mountains, written under the name Laura Thornborough, was published in 1937 and remained in print for decades.
Mt. Le Conte, December, 1925 by Thompson Brothers. (University of Tennessee Libraries.)
Knoxville is fortunate to have two have two remarkable archives, McClung Historical Collection, part of the Knox County Public Library, and University of Tennessee Libraries, which both contain hundreds of photographs, postcards, and related images of the Great Smoky Mountains, especially documenting the pivotal park movement era of the 1920s and 1930s. Many of these archival gems are available to view online.
Great Smoky Mountains Photograph Collection – Thompson Brothers
Thompson Brothers Photograph Collection
Postcards from the Great Smoky Mountains
Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Collection
Paul J. Adams Photograph Collection
Albert “Dutch” Roth Photograph Collection
Books on Smoky Mountains History