Pigeon Forge
- Today, Pigeon Forge is one of the fastest growing tourist cities in the South, and can proudly boast of being filled with action-packed entertainment, and having a calendar of events that caters to every member of the family, with such events as; annual craft/gift shows, classic car shows, conventions, and music festivals, just to name a few. Pigeon Forge has a large range of accommodations, is surrounded by natural beauty, with warm summers and mild winters, plus our world-famous Mountain Hospitality!! .
- Pigeon Forge is located within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population.
As one of the major gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, more than half of the Park's 10 million plus yearly visitors pass through Pigeon Forge.
- Incorporated in 1961, today Pigeon Forge boasts a population of 3,987 year round residents.
According to the city works department, Pigeon Forge has 4,900 parcels, or separate surveys of property deeds.
- Originally, Pigeon Forge was named for the passenger pigeons that frequented the area when it was settled in the late 1790's and early 1800's.
Pioneer Isaac Love, established an iron forge along the banks of The Little Pigeon River in 1820.
- In 1830, his son William, dammed up the Little Pigeon and began construction of the first building of the Old Mill. He used 40-ft long, "14x14" Yellow Poplar logs, which are still clearly visible today.
- Huge river rocks have served as pillars for many years, to support the Old Mill.
- In those early days, the mill was the heart of the community and served as a gathering spot for the villagers.
- During the war, looms were set up on the second floor of the Old Mill, to make woven articles for the soldiers.
- Almost a 180 years old now, this authentic working mill is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Old Mill (take a virtual tour) is one of the most photographed locations of the area. Stop by for a tour, and enjoy a great meal, with fresh products made daily from grains milled on the premises.
- Pigeon Forge was a sleepy mountain town until the Great Smoky National Park opened in 1934 and changed it into a tourist town.
- Pigeon Forge has grown steadily since the dedication of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940 and is now one of the most popular vacation destinations in the southeast United States.
- see: Silk's Photo and History Album
- In 1986, Dollywood added a new dimension to its tourist appeal, and now hosts millions of tourists yearly.
- Pigeon Forge is host to many festivals all year round. From fireworks on the Fourth of July to the magic of Winterfest, there's never a dull moment in Pigeon Forge. Check the Calendar and be sure to make your reservations well in advance!
- The Grand Rod Run and Shades of the Past are only 2 of the of the showcase car events held in Pigeon Forge each year, drawing in over 100,000 visitors to each event.
- Fall Foliage season finds the whole area decorated in the splendor of fall in the Smokies, bright colored mums, cornstalks, pumpkins (picture) and haybales fill the landscape, turning the area into a wonderland. The mountains come alive with blazing red, orange and yellow leaves, blending in amongst the evergreens, for close to a million visitors each year.
- Winterfest in Pigeon Forge was chosen winner of the 1998 Shining Example Award for "Festival of the Year" with attendance over 100,000 by the Southeast Tourist Society.
The Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights, offers visitors a unique opportunity to see millions of lights and displays, illuminating the whole area from November through February.
- To celebrate Valentines, the romantic side of the Smokies comes alive with the Smoky Mountain Romance Festival, when hearts and flowers become the focal point of city-wide decorations.
- Sevier County features 17 music, variety and comedy theaters (see: show times) and Pigeon Forge is currently the hub of the area's theater activity. Pigeon Forge has seen its number of showplaces more than double in the past 5 years.
- With more than 200 factory outlets, Pigeon Forge is an outlet Mecca. Voted "#1 City for Outlet Shopping" by Outlet Bound magazine in 1995 and "Favorite Shopping Spot in the South" by Southern Living in both 1996 and 1997, it's not surprising that shoppers come by the busloads.
- Sevier County is a dry county, with the exception of the city of Gatlinburg, which was grand-fathered in. Within the city limits of Pigeon Forge, beer is available in grocery and convenience stores, and wine can be purchased only at the Smoky Mountain Winery, located on the Parkway.
