My Heritage

If you've ever been to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee you already know it is a place of stunning beauty. Have you ever been to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountain National Park? Have you driven around The Loop to see the original historical homes and buildings of a thriving Appalachian community? Cades Cove was settled in the 1820's on land that the Unites States government had purchased from the Cherokee Indians. John Oliver was the first non Indian to live there, settling the community - and he was my great great great grandfather. I grew up spending time in the Smokies and in Cades Cove. I remember my grandfather taking me to the John Oliver cabin as a child. The walls were wallpapered with old newspapers and at that time you could go into the upper level to see the area the children slept in. There is a large fireplace in the cabin used for heating and cooking. My great grandparents were married in front of that fireplace. If you visit the Cove and drive the Loop, do stop and go in the cabins and buildings. You will find a wealth of information and you will be impressed and amazed at the creativity and hardy disposition the early settlers had to possess in order to survive this beautiful but challenging country.

About 6 or 7 years ago my daughter and her husband started a Limited Edition collection for me from the National Heritage Gallery called the Cades Cove Winter Series. Each hand crafted piece is signed and numbered. I only have three pieces but I definitely want more! Of course, the first building they bought me was the John Oliver cabin. Next, they gave me the Primitive Baptist Church, where my great great grandfather was a minister. Lastly, they gave me the Blacksmith Shop which is part of the Cable Mill Community area. The next building I want to add to my collection is the Cable Grist Mill. Below are some pictures of the three buildings in my collection so far. The Appalachian heritage is rich in arts, music, folklore. There is a wonderful Native American, English, and Irish history in the Smokies. My family heritage is rich in all three. Thanks for stopping by Mimi's Garden today to see my Show & Tell Heritage post!

To find links to more Show & Tell posts visit Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home!