Happy 75th Anniversary GSMNP

75 years ago 521,000 acres of land became the area that is known as the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  The Smokies have since that time become the most visited National Park in the country.  Nine million plus people visit the Smokies each year.  The number of visitors have completely changed the economy of the area and the environmental impact of the park is felt in the thriving wildlife and ecosystem of the Park.  For 75 years this Park has grown and changed, evolving into a place to be visited, protected and enjoyed by everyone.  To that end, throughout 2009, the Smokies are throwing a party of sorts.  The surrounding area, that owes so much to the park, will be having special events and the park is dolling itself up for a big year.  Both the Tennessee and the North Carolina side of the mountains are involved and people are flocking to the area.

In mid June, at cades Cove, Sugarlands and Oconaluftee, there were celebrations of the anniversary.  In Cades Cove, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra played a concert in Cades Cove with special guest Lamar Alexander playing piano along with the orchestra.  Thousands were in attendance and this stirring tribute was amazing.  At Sugarlands / Park Headquarters and Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center there were celebrations during the day of the anniversary.  Of course, the biggest part of this year long celebration will be the Rededication of the Park.  This rededication will take place on September 2, 2009 at Newfound Gap.  The speech that Roosevelt gave will be read and they are going to stage the original dedication as closely as they can.

Around the area, communities such as Knoxville and Asheville are also celebrating this milestone.  Knoxville, despite sending its orchestra to cades Cove is hosting events throughout the year.  Asheville, likewise is having events to celebrate the Smokies.  Even smaller communities like Cosby are getting in on the party.  Cosby put on a play earlier this year about the role of the apple orchard in the history of the Park.  Townsend, with the new Heritage Museum has exhibits dedicated to the 75th Anniversary.

All in all it is hard to tell which group is more excited about the 75th Anniversary.  The park rangers are always anxious to mention any of the facts and figures about the park they love and work in.  The locals that live around the park spend their spare time hiking the trails and visiting areas that have been protected for 75 years.  Both of these sets of people love this park; they show their love through their dedication and time.  This has been true for 75 years.  Volunteers and rangers alike have taken their time and dedicated their lives to making sure that the GSMNP is a great place to visit and that it will be around for another 75 years.  The 75th Anniversary is as much a tribute to those people as it is to the land itself.