History

water performers in the background, the tommy bartlett water circus sign in the foreground

Editorial, Lost Attractions, Pigeon Forge

Remembering the Lost Tommy Bartlett’s Water Circus Act in Pigeon Forge

While short-lived in Pigeon Forge, Tommy Bartlett’s Water Circus is fondly remembered by those few who attended It took ten years to find the perfect land for Tommy Bartlett’s Water Circus in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. In 1976, 110 acres of farmland were finally purchased with 450 feet of US Highway 441 frontage. A 20-foot-tall dam was built to hold 8.5

Ripley's, then and now

Editorial, Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Then and Now: How It’s Changed Over the Years (With Photos)

Gatlinburg was destined for greatness. Sure, it has natural beauty, but that’s not all. There’s Dolly Parton, too. Of course, as a child, I single-handedly attributed the area’s tourism completely to Dolly. There’s surely no doubt that she fulfilled her dreams of both giving job opportunities to locals and offering tourists more reasons to visit the Great Smoky Mountains with