There is nowhere else in the world quite like Gatlinburg, TN! Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, our city offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and family friendly fun. Here at Chalet Village, we love to share our knowledge of the area with our guests. To help you get excited for your next vacation, we have put together a list of four facts about Gatlinburg that you probably didn’t know:
1. Gatlinburg Was Named After the Most Hated Man in Town
Before it was known as Gatlinburg, our Smoky Mountain city was named White Oak Flats, (because of the area’s beautiful white oak trees). In the early 1800s, Martha Huskey Ogle and her family became the first permanent white settlers in the region. If you visit Gatlinburg today, you’re likely to run into an Ogle or two, as many of Martha’s descendents still live in the region.
While the Ogles were the area’s most prominent family, it was Radford Gatlin who would inspire the city’s modern name. Gatlin only moved to town in 1854, but because the post office was located in his general store, people started to call the city “Gatlinburg”. Although the city bears his name, Gatlin was hated by his neighbors for feuding with the Ogles and supporting the Confederacy in the Civil War. East Tennessee was a stronghold of pro-Union sentiment, so Radford Gatlin was actually chased out of town in 1859!
2. There Are More Fish in Ripley’s Aquarium Than People Who Live in Gatlinburg
As crazy as it sounds, the above statement is true! While Gatlinburg receives over 11 million visitors per year, the city only has about 4,000 permanent residents. Meanwhile, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to over 10,000 sea creatures. That means that Gatlinburg technically has more permanent aquatic residents than human residents!
(See Also: 5 Great Attractions Near Our Gatlinburg Cabins)
3. Gatlinburg is the 2nd Most Popular Wedding Destination in the U.S.
Another one of the most surprising facts about Gatlinburg is how many people get married here. Our Smoky Mountain city hosts more weddings than any other location in America, with the exception of Las Vegas. Gatlinburg is such a popular place to get married because of its romantic mountain scenery and its variety of wedding chapels. Here at Chalet Village, we have hosted thousands of couples who chose Gatlinburg as their wedding and/or honeymoon destination.
4. Gatlinburg is Home to Tennessee’s Only Ski Resort
Gatlinburg, TN is the only place in the state where you can go skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing! With its pristine slopes and high powered snow machine, the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is one of the very best spots to enjoy winter sports in the Southeast. When you stay at Chalet Village you will be minutes away from all of the fun at Ober Gatlinburg, as our cabin community is located on the same mountain as the ski resort.
Did reading all of these facts about Gatlinburg make you want to visit? To start planning your next vacation, browse our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals. All of our properties are completely unique, so you are guaranteed to find the perfect cabin for your getaway in the Smokies!
