Historical Event
Formation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934, covering a vast area of the Appalachian Mountains that straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. This park was created as a result of efforts by local communities, including African American business owners in nearby Gatlinburg, who played crucial roles in promoting tourism and preserving the region's natural beauty.
Why This Matters
The formation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park highlights the contributions of African Americans to American heritage and economic development, showcasing how their influence in local tourism has roots that intertwine with broader struggles for civil rights and visibility in national narratives. This event serves as a poignant reminder of the shared histories and cultural ties that bind the African American experience with Africa's diverse histories, emphasizing the importance of recognition and representation within the context of conservation and community.
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Related Lessons
How Do We Know What We Know? An Introduction to the Curriculum's Questions
Unit 1
The Experimental Body: Medical Exploitation Under Slavery
Unit 2
The Three Pillars: Black Church, HBCUs, and the Divine Nine
Unit 4.5
African Americans as Americans: 400 Years of Presence, Contribution, and Cultural Innovation
Unit 6
The Civil Rights Movement: From Brown to Selma (1954–1965)
Unit 6
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