Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by mountains and one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Settlers came to this area in 1819, migrating here from Virginia. Later they came from North Carolina, enriching their culture from the old world with knowledge gained from the Indians. By the 1850’s the population of Cades Cove peaked at 685, occupying 137 households. With this population growth the soil quality deteriorated. The opening states of the West brought the opportunity of more fertile frontiers and by 1860 only 269 people remained.
tagged: NPS Scenic
