...Today, 87 years ago, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded.

I thought you would like to know that on June 15th, 1934 the United States Congress chartered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There were a lot of people involved in this effort. But most notably by a few extra hard working individuals. Colonel David Chapman, Ann Davis, Paul Fink, Horace Kephart, George Masa, Ben Morton, Mark Squires, Jim Thompson, and Charles A. Webb all provided their hard work, specific talents, education, and sometimes financial help to get this charter signed.

We really have them to thank for bringing this area of North Carolina and Tennessee to the level of economic tourism it has today. This park had two times as many visitors than any other American National Park in 2003. I am sure it continues to trend this way. While the railroad created jobs and industry this park brought visitors, and their monies, from all the over the world to spend in our local community.

I thought it important to share this bit of trivia with you all to remind us of a great American story and achievement. I also wanted to show a little bit of culture to those of us who seem to lack the knowledge. Most importantly the lesson here is through hard work, determination, and common goals amongst many peoples of this great country, great things can be accomplished in the face of adversity. You can learn more about their journey and trials and accomplishments at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's offical website. I learned alot!