5 People Who Created a Lasting Impression in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains have numerous peaks that are named after many people who had a great deal of influence on the creation of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These people were very different but all shared a similar vision of how the future of this great landscape should be treated. Here are 5 people that helped create this national treasure for visitors to explore every year:

1. Horace Kephart

Horace Kephart is known as an expert on Appalachian ways of life as he spent years living amongst its people. His story is unique in that he felt unfulfilled with his life as a librarian and sought to live more freely, experiencing a life that involved writing about his newfound joy of the outdoors and learning how Appalachian people raised their families. His love of the mountains led him to become a fierce champion for the establishment of The National Park in his later years. Mt. Kephart lies on the North Carolina-Tennessee border and is the seventh highest mountain in Tennessee.

2. David C. Chapman

David C. Chapman was a hometown boy from nearby Knoxville whom many recognize his name being adorned on not only a peak in The Smoky Mountains, but on the frequently traveled Chapman Highway. He served in the military before becoming a politician and well-known businessman in East Tennessee. Chapman was heavily involved in negotiating land purchases in the park and eventually succeeded in getting John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to donate money to ensure that The Great Smoky Mountains National Park would become a reality. Mt. Chapman also sits on the border with North Carolina and has an elevation of 6,417 feet above sea level.

3. Arno B. Cammerer

Mr. Cammerer was a Midwesterner who found himself in Washington D.C. after receiving his law degree. His work with the U.S. Park Service led him to having an important role in securing money to expand the creation of several National Parks, including The Smoky Mountains. His tireless work would prove detrimental to his health, but his work as the third Director of The Park Service would not go unnoticed. Mt. Cammerer is clearly visible if you’re looking south from Cosby, Tennessee and serves as a popular hiking destination.

4. Ann Davis

Many tourists are sure to appreciate the efforts of Ann Davis in the establishment of a National Park in The Smoky Mountains. She vacationed here with her husband in 1923 and asked why the eastern United States didn’t have a Park for visitors to enjoy. While some historians question her influence, the story of her desire to have a National Park here is well-documented.

5. Willis P. Davis

Her husband was a solid figure in the Knoxville business community, putting together a delegation that would prove vital in getting the Tennessee portion of The Smoky Mountains included in The National Park. His influence here made him a person of great importance in putting the wheels in motion for the government to make this a reality. Mount Davis is named after Willis P. Davis and is located near Townsend, Tennessee. Davis Ridge is named after his wife, Ann, and is located near Mount Davis between Silers Bald and Thunderhead Mountain.

Of course there are many more people who left their mark on the creation and growth of the Smoky Mountains. Even though these people are no longer with us, we can celebrate their accomplishments every time we visit the beautiful wonders of the Park.