Archived Outdoors

Smokies seeks info on old homesites

Family members stand outside the Jim Kirkland home. Donated photo Family members stand outside the Jim Kirkland home. Donated photo

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is looking for help in identifying and documenting former homesites in the park. 

Volunteer-in-Park Frank March is leading the effort in conjunction with Park Archeologist Allison Harvey. March estimates that there are more than 2,400 homesites in the park, of which 70% have been identified. Records associated with the purchase of 1,200 farms between 1920 and 1940 when the park was created are in the park’s Collections Preservation Center, but because the history of European habitation in the park dates to the 1790s, many of these pre-20th century homesites are not documented. 

The public is encouraged to bring any historic photos, hand-drawn maps or other documents that the park can use to identify these locations. Librarian-Archivist Michael Aday will scan the materials and then return the original documents to their owners. For more information, contact Aday at 865.448.2247 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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