Cades Cove

Robynn Mills
English 102-010
McBride
September 28, 1999

“Cades Cove is the dream of the Smoky Mountains.” This statement was made by the Reverend Isaac P. Martin after his first visit to the Cove. He describes the Cove as one “which nestles there among the crests of the great mountains.” He goes on to say, “I had never seen anything quite so beautiful.” (Wise 151). Apart from the views expressed so clearly by Isaac Martin, Cades Cove is also considered by many others to be one of the most attractive locations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Apart from this positive aspect of the Cove area, this has not always been the reaction that neither early explorers nor settlers have had. The Smokies were once a rugged and threatening place abundant in wildlife including bears, mountain lions, and snakes (O’Dell 1). These seemingly harsh living conditions became a part of the lives of the Cherokee Indians that used the Cove as a summer hunting ...