Smoky Mountain Church Makes National Register of Historic Places
The Smoky Mountains are known for their diverse history and rustic charm, so it should come as no surprise to fans of the area to discover that one of the many beautiful Smoky Mountain churches was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1891, the Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church was one of eight new historical sites added to the register’s list.
Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church
Serving the Sevier County community for nearly 140 years, the Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church has one of the longest running congregations in the Smoky Mountains. Located at 2656 Boyds Creek Highway, this Smoky Mountain church features elegant white wooden walls and steeple with a peaked green roof and door.
According to the National Park Service’s website, the Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church was accepted onto the list of the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C, Architecture. Because of the Smoky Mountain church’s unique blend of Queen Anne and Gothic Revival into it’s design, this magnificent Folk Victorian style church is definitely well deserved of its new historic title.
The National Register of Historic Places
Created and maintained under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is a running list of all the historical structures across America. Structures can make the list by qualifying under one of four categories that include an association to a historical event, associated with the life/lives of a significant historical figure, encompass an architecture style of a historical period, or provides important historical or prehistorical information. The National Register is maintained by the help of both the public and private sector.
Other Great Smoky Mountains National Park Honors
Off to a great start this year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was also recently honored with its very own commemorative quarter. Following the historical structures trend, the quarter depicts a quaint mountain scene with lush forest, a rustic cabin, old log fence, and a soaring hawk. In circulation now, the new quarter is the first of many quarters to be released in 2014 as part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarter Program.
Also, towards the end of 2013, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was honored by adopting its very first sister park in Thailand. Officials with both parks joined together as sister parks to help staff in both locations learn more about important environmentally friendly practices and preservation efforts.
Ready to start exploring the rich history and culture of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for yourself? You and your family will be pleased to discover your next home away from home in the Smokies by looking under the Where to Stay tab on our website. Offering a full list of Smoky Mountain cabins, condos, chalets, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and more, there is a relaxing place to stay for every family or group visiting the Smokies.
