Walk through modern Gatlinburg’s attractions and restaurants and you might not have any inkling that you’re walking through Civil War history. What is now downtown Gatlinburg was the flashpoint for the area’s only Civil War battle. Why did the Blue and Gray forces fight the Battle of the Burg here?

Today’s tourists weren’t the first to discover the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. A century ago, Knoxville elites flocked to the Elkmont area. Today, their abandoned summer homes are a ghost town you can explore.

Take a step back in time with a visit to the Old Country Church, located inside Dollywood Theme Park. This charming chapel was originally built in the 1920s and has been restored to its former glory.

Meet country music legend Dolly Parton, pictured in a bronze statue capturing her lively, positive nature. Millions of visitors from around the world have stopped to see Dolly’s statue outside the Sevier County Courthouse in Sevierville. Come see why this statue is worth a stop when you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Eastern Tennessee is home to history, from the earliest Native American tribes to the farmers and vacationers of the 20th century. Visit these four sites to step back into Gatlinburg’s past.

The Smoky Mountains are rife with rich history. From abandoned ghost towns to secret mountain hideaways, there’s plenty for the amateur historian to explore here. If you’ve already gotten your fill of all the most well-known Smoky Mountain lore and are ready to move on to some of the more adventurous stuff, then buckle up for one of the wildest history rides this region has to offer: the legacy of the Walker Sisters.