60-802: Pigeon Forge is a mountain resort city in Sevier County, Tennessee , United States. As of the 2020 census , the city had a total population of 6,343. Situated just 5 miles (8 km) north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Pigeon Forge is a tourist destination that caters primarily to Southern culture and country music fans. The city's attractions include Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country , WonderWorks , Alcatraz East Crime Museum , Dolly Parton's Stampede , as well as numerous gift shops, outlet malls, amusement rides, and musical theaters. The name "Pigeon Forge" comes from an iron forge built by Isaac Love (1783–1854) some time around 1820. The name of this forge referred to its location along
120-584: A City Manager-Commission form of government, in which a city manager, commission, and mayor work together to manage the city. As of 2018, the mayor is David Wear, and the City Manager is Earlene M. Teaster. The city government has 181 miles (290 km) of water main piping, hundreds of fire hydrants, 20 water tanks, 19 pump stations, 86 miles (138 km) of publicly maintained streets and roads, 89 miles (143 km) of sanitary sewers, and approximately 234 vehicles and 272 pieces of equipment. Pigeon Forge
180-614: A common living room at the other. As his family grew, Shields constructed separate houses for his children, one of which was purchased by Horatio Butler in 1797 and remained with his descendants until it was torn down in 1994. Although the Shields Fort was too far from the main Cherokee trails to ever experience a serious assault, the Wear Fort straddled Indian Gap Trail, making it a target for small bands of Cherokee warriors. After
240-543: A fourth consecutive term. He quickly became caught up in the growing rivalry between Sevier and Andrew Jackson , and was soundly defeated by Sevier after just one term. Roane served as an attorney general in the Southwest Territory in the early 1790s, and later served as a judge on the state's Superior Court of Law and Equity (1796–1801) and the Supreme Court of Errors and Appeals (1815–1819). Roane
300-637: A judge on the Tennessee Supreme Court of Errors and Appeals , which had replaced the Superior Court of Law and Equity as the state's highest court in 1809. He served on that court until his death on January 18, 1819. He was a promoter of institutions of higher learning until his death, serving as a trustee of Blount College (the forerunner of the University of Tennessee ), Greeneville College , and Washington College. Roane
360-422: A major role in the early history of Pigeon Forge. In the early 19th century, circuit riders preached in the valley, creating a large Methodist following that remains to the present day. On October 20, 1808, Bishop Francis Asbury delivered a sermon at what is now Shiloh Memorial Cemetery in the northern half of Pigeon Forge, where a crude log church was erected. The first "tourists" to visit Pigeon Forge came for
420-467: A male householder with no wife present, and 33.8% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 9.4% of those living alone were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58, and the average family size was 2.99. The population consisted of 23.8% of individuals under the age of 20, 8.1% from 20 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
480-433: A narrow gorge cut by the river between Cove Mountain and Shields Mountain acts as the city's boundary with Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge has a humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification : Cfa) with cool winters and hot summers. Precipitation is heavy year round, peaking during the months of May–July, with October being the driest month, having only 2.67 inches (68 mm) of average annual precipitation. As of
540-515: A part of North Carolina , where he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law . In 1790, when the Southwest Territory was formed, territorial governor William Blount appointed Roane to the position of Attorney and Solicitor for Greene County and later Territorial Attorney General for the Washington District. In 1796, he represented Jefferson County at the state constitutional convention . This convention wrote
600-712: A safe stopover for early pioneers in the Sevier County area. Wear later served as a member of the committee that drafted Tennessee's state constitution . In 1785, Cherokee signed the Treaty of Dumplin Creek, ceding much of what is now Sevier County to the United States. Among the first to take advantage of this was Robert Shields (1740–1802), who received a survey for a tract of land in the Pigeon Forge area from
660-472: A single industry, and the difficulties in retaining a stable workforce. Local residents are generally receptive of the economic impacts of tourism. Resort towns tend to enjoy lower unemployment rates, improved infrastructure, more advanced telecommunication and transportation capabilities, and higher standards of living and greater income in relation to those who live outside this area. Increased economic activity in resort towns can also have positive effects on
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#1732779811315720-697: A stop at a mock frontier mountain town, complete with blacksmith shop, general store, and saloon. By 1964, interest in the Civil War Centennial was beginning to die down, so the Robbins brothers decided to rename the railroad Goldrush Junction. The attraction was reworked with a "Wild West" theme replacing the Civil War theme, in a similar fashion to the Robbins' other tourist train ride in North Carolina, Tweetsie Railroad . Goldrush Junction
780-597: A string of fords along the Little Pigeon. When Great Smoky Mountains National Park opened in 1934, the Tennessee Valley Authority reported no tourism-oriented businesses in Pigeon Forge. By the 1950s, improvements to US-441 led to the establishment of a few campgrounds and lodges, but they did not generate major revenue. During this period, however, two factors in nearby Gatlinburg led to the eventual commercial boom Pigeon Forge experienced in
840-465: A target. In 1961, shortly after Pigeon Forge officially incorporated, North Carolina brothers Grover and Harry Robbins opened Rebel Railroad in the town's Middle Creek area. The railroad simulated a ride on a Confederate steam train that was under attack by Union soldiers during the Civil War, playing upon the centennial anniversary of the war. After the Union assault was beaten back, the railroad came to
900-520: A theme park on the slopes of Pine Mountain in the city's south section. In 1985, the Herschends approached entertainer Dolly Parton (who was born in nearby Sevierville) with a proposal for a partnership in the promotion and operation of Silver Dollar City. After lengthy negotiations, Parton became a majority partner in the enterprise, and Silver Dollar City was renamed Dollywood to launch a major marketing campaign. Magic World folded in 1994. Although
960-512: Is Sevierville , just a few miles from Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge has various entertainment opportunities for car and truck enthusiasts. The calendar of car and truck show events varies each year and has included: The Pigeon Forge Parks and Recreation Department manages the Pigeon Forks Community Center along with 134 acres (54 ha) of park land and approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) of greenways. Pigeon Forge has
1020-510: Is an urban area where tourism or vacationing is the primary component of the local culture and economy . A typical resort town has one or more actual resorts in the surrounding area. Sometimes the term resort town is used simply for a locale popular among tourists. One task force in British Columbia used the definition of an incorporated or unincorporated contiguous area where the ratio of transient rooms, measured in bed units,
1080-583: Is buried at Pleasant Forest Cemetery in Farragut, Tennessee . In June 1918, the state placed a monument on his grave, which was previously unmarked. Roane County, Tennessee , is named in his honor. Roane County, West Virginia , is named for a cousin, Spencer Roane . A nephew, John Selden Roane , was governor of Arkansas . Archibald Roane's wife, Ann, was a sister of Colonel Arthur Campbell (1743–1811) and Judge David Campbell (1750–1812), an aunt of Governor David Campbell (1779–1859) of Virginia, and
1140-416: Is greater than 60% of the permanent population. Generally, tourism is the main export in a resort town economy, with most residents of the area working in the tourism or resort industry. Shops and luxury boutiques selling locally themed souvenirs , motels , and unique restaurants often proliferate the downtown areas of a resort town. In the case of the United States, resort towns were created around
1200-442: Is served by a mass transit system of buses that are referred to as "Fun Time Trolleys" due to their physical resemblance to early 20th-century trolleys . The system operates more than 40 vehicles and has more than 200 stops throughout Pigeon Forge as well as in neighboring Gatlinburg and Sevierville. All the trolleys are equipped with lifts for mobility aids and wheelchairs. U.S. Route 441 , known as " The Parkway ", runs through
1260-418: The 2020 United States census , there were 6,343 people, 2,346 households, and 1,712 families residing in the city. As of the 2010 census , Pigeon Forge had 5,875 people, 2,238 households, and 1,482 families residing in the city. The population density was 506.5 inhabitants per square mile (195.6/km). There were 5,187 housing units at an average density of 447.2 per square mile (172.7/km). The racial makeup of
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#17327798113151320-606: The Cleveland Browns ) purchased Goldrush Junction. In 1976, Modell sold it to the Herschend Brothers of Branson, Missouri . The Herschends renamed the park Silver Dollar City after their successful theme park in Branson. The Ozark mountain theme of the Branson location was easily reapplied as an Appalachian theme in Pigeon Forge, and the park's attendance began to climb. In 1982, hoping to capitalize on
1380-550: The Natchez Trace , convincing Secretary of War Henry Dearborn to construct inns and military posts along the road, and provide rewards for the apprehension of bandits who harassed Natchez travellers. He also appointed a commission that successfully resolved a boundary dispute with Virginia. In October 1802, Spain revoked American access to the critical port of New Orleans following the port's transfer to France, and Roane, acting on orders from President Jefferson, prepared
1440-539: The Watauga Land Office in 1786. Shields, who was also a veteran of the Revolution, established a small fort along Middle Creek near what is now Dollywood. Shields' son later wrote that the fort was 100 feet (30 m) long and 16 feet (4.9 m) wide, with 12-foot (3.7 m) walls constructed with "heavy logs." The fort contained living quarters for six families, with a common kitchen at one end and
1500-634: The 21st century, adding a separate water park in 2001. In 2016, the area was affected by the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains wildfires . Pigeon Forge is located on the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 11.6 square miles (30.0 km), all of which is land. The West Fork of the Little Pigeon River flows north from its source high on
1560-602: The Cherokee attacked his fort in 1793, a frustrated Wear led a band of 60 frontiersmen across the northwestern Smokies into the Overhill Cherokee region, where they attacked and destroyed the town of Tallassee (near modern-day Calderwood Dam ), killing at least 15 Cherokees and capturing several others. In 1794, the Cherokee fired on Wear and his two sons just outside Calvin's Blockhouse (near Maryville ), but they both escaped unharmed. Although treaties negotiated at Tellico Blockhouse in 1794 and 1798 brought calm to
1620-540: The Fort Wear site on the town's north side. It was common during this period for the residents of large urban areas to visit mountain springs, the waters of which were believed to have health-restoring qualities. In the early 20th century, Pigeon Forge was an isolated mountain hamlet with no major roads. The nearest railroad station was in Sevierville. Bridges were also rare, with the only major water crossings being
1680-683: The Little Pigeon River, in the vicinity of what is now the Old Mill. The name of the river comes from the flocks of passenger pigeons that frequented its banks at the time of the first Euro-American settlers' arrival. For centuries, the Cherokee used the valley where Pigeon Forge is now located as a hunting ground. A Cherokee footpath known as "Indian Gap Trail" crossed the Great Smokies from North Carolina and passed through
1740-559: The Pigeon Forge valley en route to its junction with Great Indian Warpath in modern Sevierville. (US-441 closely parallels this ancient trail, although it crests the mountains at Newfound Gap rather than Indian Gap). From Sevierville, Great Indian Warpath headed west toward the Overhill Cherokee towns along the Little Tennessee River . Indian Gap Trail brought the first Europeans to the Pigeon Forge area in
1800-573: The city was $ 20,959. About 9.8% of families and 10.6% of the population were living below the poverty line , including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or older. Besides the natural environment of the area, the attractions in Pigeon Forge draw approximately 11 million visitors each year. Attractions include the Dollywood theme park and the Stampede theater, both owned by country music superstar Dolly Parton , whose home town
1860-443: The city was 80.6% White , 1.1% African American , 0.7% Native American , 2.1% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 13.5% from other races , and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race accounted for 18.2% of the population. Of the 2,238 households, 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had
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1920-408: The commercial boom in Pigeon Forge vastly increased the town's revenue, it had several undesirable effects. As land value increased, many farmers could no longer afford the accompanying high property taxes and were forced to sell their land. The high cost of living in Pigeon Forge is difficult to offset with the low wage jobs that often accompany the tourist industry. Dollywood continued expansion into
1980-481: The country's overall economic growth and development. In addition, business generated by resort towns have been credited with supporting the local economy through times of national market failure and depression. In a study conducted by the Urban and Regional Planning Department of Istanbul Technical University , 401 local residents in the resort community of Antalya were interviewed and asked to give their opinion on
2040-511: The early 18th century. Along with hunters and trappers from North Carolina, traders from Virginia passed through the valley before 1750. Some time after 1783, Colonel Samuel Wear became one of the first permanent white settlers in the Pigeon Forge area. A veteran of the American Revolution , Wear erected a stockade near the confluence of Walden Creek and Little Pigeon River (now Pigeon Forge City Park) in 1792. This "fort" provided
2100-788: The eastern side of the city and serves as a local four-lane road bypassing some of the Parkway and is relatively undeveloped, except a few shopping centers. TN-449 serves as a bypass for both Sevierville and most of Pigeon Forge and directly connects with Dollywood . The water plant in Pigeon Forge can treat 12,000,000 U.S. gallons (10,000,000 imp gal; 45,000,000 L) of water per day. The city storage system holds 8,300,000 U.S. gallons (6,900,000 imp gal; 31,000,000 L) of water. The city also supplies Gatlinburg with up to 1,500,000 U.S. gallons (1,200,000 imp gal; 5,700,000 L) of water per day. Resort city A resort town , resort city or resort destination
2160-496: The economic impacts of tourism. Among the participants, 67% had lived in Antalya for over ten years, 66% had at least a high school degree, and 30% reported jobs that were related to tourism. The results are as follows: Perceived impact on select economic impact items (Antalya) More recently, resort towns have come under greater scrutiny by local communities. Instances where resort towns are poorly managed have adverse effects on
2220-409: The employment available in resort towns are typically low paying and it can be difficult for workers to afford to live the area in which they are employed. Many resort towns have spawned nearby bedroom communities where the majority of the resort workforce lives. Resorts towns sometimes struggle with problems regarding sustainable growth , due to the seasonal nature of the economy, the dependence on
2280-483: The extended revivals that were held in the Middle Creek area on the grounds of what is now Middle Creek Methodist Church as early as 1822. These revivals could last for weeks at a time. In 1810, Revolutionary War veteran Mordecai Lewis obtained a 151-acre (61 ha) land grant along the Little Pigeon River near the heart of what is now Pigeon Forge. In 1817, Lewis' son-in-law, Isaac Love (1783−1854), established
2340-497: The forging of deeds at North Carolina's Nashville land office in the 1780s, and Roane cast the deciding vote for Jackson. Enraged that Jackson, 20 years his junior and lacking in military experience, had defeated him for militia commander, Sevier immediately embarked upon a campaign to regain the governorship. Roane and Jackson released the Nashville land office documents and accused Sevier of trying to thwart an investigation into
2400-969: The host country or the local communities. Income to local communities generated by tourism are all of the expenditures accrued after taxes, profits, and wages are paid out; however, around 80% of traveler's expenditures go to airlines, hotels, and international companies, not to local businesses. These funds are referred to as leakages . Tourism has also been blamed for other negative economic impacts to local communities. Although resort towns usually boast more improved infrastructure than surrounding areas, these developments usually present high costs to local governments and tax payers. Reallocating government funds to subsidize infrastructure and tax breaks to firms shift available funding to local education and health services. In addition, resort towns typically do not have dynamic economies, resulting in an over dependence on one industry. Economic dependence on tourism poses particular challenges to resort towns and its local residents given
2460-515: The iron forge for which the city was eventually named. The complex included a bloomery furnace and water-powered trip hammer to smelt and mold ore into iron bars. Love erected the Pigeon Forge Mill in 1830, and on May 29, 1841, Love's son, William, established a post office – which he named "Pigeon Forge" – for the mill and the small community that had developed in its vicinity. Local businessman John Sevier Trotter (1807−1884) purchased
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2520-406: The late 1800s and early 1900s with the development of early town-making. Many resort towns feature ambitious architecture, romanticizing their location, and dependence on cheap labor. If the resorts or tourist attractions are seasonal in nature (such as a ski resort ), resort towns typically experience an on-season where the town is bustling with tourists and workers, and an off-season where
2580-412: The latter half of the 20th century. First, surrounded by high mountain ridges, Gatlinburg had limited land resources. Second, its land resources were largely controlled by a few local families who thwarted attempts by outside businesses to take advantage of the town's prime location. Thus, outside entrepreneurs were forced to look elsewhere. Pigeon Forge, located just north of Gatlinburg along US-441, became
2640-519: The local economy. One example is the uneven distribution of income and land ownership between local residents and businesses. During tourist season, increased demand for accommodation may raise the price of land, causing a simultaneous increase in rent for local residents whose income in invariably lower than foreign residents. This results in a preponderance of foreigners in the land market and an erosion of economic opportunities for local residents. The revenues amassed from tourism typically do not benefit
2700-411: The matter while he was governor, but Sevier's popularity proved insurmountable. On election day, Sevier defeated Roane, 6,780 votes to 4,923. After losing the 1803 gubernatorial election, Roane returned to the practice of law. In 1805, he again challenged Sevier for the governorship, but was defeated, 10,293 votes to 5,795. In 1811, Roane was elected to a circuit judgeship , and in 1815, he became
2760-471: The middle of Pigeon Forge en route to Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where it crests at Newfound Gap before descending to Cherokee, North Carolina . The six-lane strip along US-441 contains most of Pigeon Forge's tourist attractions. U.S. Route 321 (known as Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge) connects the town with Wears Valley and Townsend to the west. Teaster Lane runs along
2820-539: The mill and furnace in 1849 and subsequently made numerous modifications, including the addition of a sawmill. Although the iron furnace was sold and relocated in the 1880s, the Pigeon Forge Mill – usually called "Old Mill" – still stands and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places . In the 1870s, a health resort was established in Pigeon Forge at Henderson Springs, adjacent to
2880-491: The original Tennessee Constitution , which took effect that same year when Tennessee became a U.S. state . Later in 1796, he became one of the three judges of the Superior Court of Law and Equity, the highest court established under the new state constitution. In 1801, Governor John Sevier had reached the limit of three consecutive terms allowed as governor under the state constitution, and Roane ran virtually unopposed to become his successor. The Great Seal of Tennessee
2940-610: The publicity generated by the Knoxville World's Fair , Pigeon Forge initiated an aggressive economic plan that centered around theme parks , outlet malls, and live music venues. The first outlet mall, Factory Merchants, opened that same year. By 1987, there were four outlet malls in Pigeon Forge, and by the early 1990s, outlet malls provided 44% of the town's gross revenue. The increasing number of tourist attractions brought competition for Silver Dollar City and its chief competitor in Pigeon Forge, Magic World, which had constructed
3000-472: The region, sporadic fighting between Cherokees and the settlers continued. One notable incident occurred in 1802, when Tavenor Runyan (1787–1802), the son of Isaac Barefoot Runyan (1749–1845) and Margaret Rambo (who had settled near the heart of modern Pigeon Forge), was killed by a Cherokee warrior. The recently elected Governor Archibald Roane was forced to personally intervene to prevent retaliatory strikes. Like many Appalachian communities, religion played
3060-447: The seasonal nature of the job market in some areas. Local residents of resort towns face job insecurity, difficulties in obtaining training, medical-benefits, and housing. Archibald Roane Archibald Roane (1759/60 – January 18, 1819) was the second Governor of Tennessee , serving from 1801 to 1803. He won the office after the state's first governor, John Sevier , was prevented by constitutional restrictions from seeking
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#17327798113153120-550: The slopes of Mount Collins through Sevier County before linking up with the Middle Fork in Sevierville . Pigeon Forge occupies a narrow valley along this river between Sevierville and Gatlinburg . High ridges surround Pigeon Forge on three sides, with Pine Mountain to the west, Shields Mountain to the east, and Cove Mountain to the south. A bend in the Little Pigeon provides the city's northern border with Sevierville, and
3180-471: The state militia for possible armed conflict. The situation was resolved by the Louisiana Purchase the following year. In February 1803, the state militia convened to elect its commander. The vote ended in a tie between Sevier and Andrew Jackson , and the constitution stipulated that the governor cast the deciding vote. Jackson presented Roane with evidence that Sevier had been complicit in
3240-582: The subsequent Battle of Trenton in December 1776, and was present at the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. In the 1780s he settled for a time in vicinity of Lexington , Rockbridge County, Virginia , where he studied and later taught at Liberty Hall Academy, a predecessor institution to Washington and Lee University . In Virginia, he married Ann (or Anne) Campbell, whom he had met there, in 1788. Shortly after his marriage in 1788, Roane moved to Jonesborough, Tennessee , then still
3300-419: The town is populated only by a small amount of local year-round residents. In addition, resort towns are often popular with wealthy retirees and people wishing to purchase vacation homes , which typically drives up property values and the cost of living in the region. Sometimes, resort towns can become boomtowns due to the quick development of retirement and vacation-based residences. However, most of
3360-434: Was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101 males. According to 2012–2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income for a household in Pigeon Forge was $ 34,949, and the median income for a family was $ 41,829. Males had a median income of $ 31,933 versus $ 20,838 for females. The per capita income for
3420-743: Was about eight years old, he was raised by an uncle, John Roane, a Presbyterian minister, who provided him with a good education. During the Revolutionary War , Archibald Roane served in the Continental Army as a member of the Lancaster County Militia (5th Company, 9th Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteers). He was among the troops who took part in Washington's crossing of the Delaware River and
3480-492: Was adopted during the Roane Administration in 1801, and Tennessee was divided into three Congressional districts . Roane also signed anti-fraud measures, a law outlawing dueling , and a law prohibiting the disturbance of public worship. Like his predecessor, much of Roane's time as governor was spent dealing with disputes between white settlers and Indians. Roane coordinated efforts to begin construction of
3540-735: Was born in 1759 or 1760 in Derry Township (then a part of Lancaster County ) in the Province of Pennsylvania . He was the son of Andrew and Margaret Walker Roane. Andrew Roane, who was born in Northern Ireland , was one of four sons of Archibald Gilbert Roane, a Scotsman who had been awarded land in Ireland in return for his British military service. All of the sons of Archibald Gilbert Roane emigrated to America. After Andrew and Margaret Roane both died when young Archibald Roane
3600-574: Was much more successful than Rebel Railroad, prompting the Robbinses to buy a log flume amusement ride and erect it on the property in 1967. According to a park tourist brochure from the time, the ride was "brought to Goldrush Junction from the New York World's Fair, where it was one of the most successful attractions." In 1969, after Pigeon Forge issued a zoning plan assigning the entire strip along US-441 for tourism use, Art Modell (owner of
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