During the Civil War, the residents of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, tried to avoid taking sides in the hope that they could avoid involvement in the conflict. Despite their desires and the relative isolation of the town, Gatlinburg was ultimately drawn into the war; a Confederate mining operation was established nearby, a secret Union garment factory was built seven miles north of the town and in the winter of 1863, a skirmish took place in the town itself.
The Alum Cave trail is a moderately difficult trail that departs from the Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg. Alum Cave is the site of an old Confederate mining operation. During the war, the rebels cut through the land in search of saltpeter, which was a critical ingredient required for the creation of gunpowder. As a rich source of saltpeter, the area was of much importance to the Confederates. The Alum Cave Bluff was created as a result of the mining effort, and provides hikers a sweeping view of the area.
The Battle of Burg Hill was a skirmish between Confederate and Union forces that took place in the latter part of 1863. Every year during summer, volunteers in full period uniforms reenact the battle. The event includes not only a demonstration of the skirmish, but a bevy of historical exhibits and costumed actors imitating the lives of people during the time of the civil war. The reenactment is free to attend.
Pigeon Forge, eight miles north of Gatlinburg, is the site of a garment factory that was operated in secret by the Unionists during the war. The garment factory was set up in an old mill, and when the Confederates took over the area it became a hiding place for trapped Union soldiers. After the battle of Knoxville, the soldiers reemerged and captured a number of rebel troops. A sign with more information marks the head of the trail in Pigeon Forge.
