Birth of a National Park in the Great Smoky Mountains

by Carlos C. Campbell

Annually millions of people admire the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's primeval beauty - towering peaks, sparkling cascades, virgin forests, and remarkable variety of wildflowers and shrubs. One of the nation's most popular national parks did not just "come to be" a logical and natural development on federally-owned land. Instead, it was the first national park to be acquired from private owners and given by the people to the federal government. Establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park climaxed an unprecedented crusade that is a story of almost fanatic dedication to a cause, as well as one of frustration, despair, political bias, and even physical violence.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Jen Marx]

Of Note: this book has ONE paragraph about the CCC (civilian conservation corps) that actually physically built the park infrastructure as part of FDR's New Deal. The book is entirely about the funding, land acquisition, legislative, and political aspects of the park's birth.

[Scot Bellavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had hoped for this to be an exciting adventure tale and it was—of pencil pushers and congressional petitions.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Birth of a National Park In the Great Smoky Mountains by Carlos C. Campbell (University of Tennessee Press 1978) (976.889). This book tells the story of the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from small-holdings and timber barons. It's a must read for anyone interested in the park. My rating: 7/10, finished 2005.