Near Cherokee in Swain County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
“To the free people of America”
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 4, 2009
1. “To the free people of America” Marker
“We meet today to dedicate the mountains, streams, and forests to the service of the American People.”
September 2, 1940
The Rockefeller Memorial commemorates the efforts of those whose vision and resources helped establish this park. The memorial is named for the mother of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Rockefeller donated $5 million of the $12 million required to purchase most of the park’s 520,000 acres. From this platform, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 2. 1940.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park was a grand experiment; never before had a National Park been created by buying private lands. But in the 1920s and 30s, the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, with the support of thousands of citizens across the country, purchased more than 6,000 tracts of land, then donated them to the federal government.
Erected by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #32 Franklin D. Roosevelt
this page online
Location. 35° 36.656′ N, 83° 25.531′ W. Marker is near Cherokee, North Carolina, in Swain County. Marker is on Walker Camp Prong (U.S. 441) near Clingman's Dome Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cherokee NC 28719, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. People of the Mountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Land of Diversity (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee); A Mountain Sanctuary (within shouting distance of this marker); Hands That Built (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Smoky Mountains National Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Appalachian Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Smokies (within shouting distance of this marker); Land of Blue Smoke (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cherokee.
More about this marker. It appears this marker has changed locations over the years.
Additional keywords. Newfound Gap, Appalachian Trail
Photographed By Julie Szabo, May 8, 2007
2. “To the free people of America” Marker
The caption reads, "Several thousand people crowded around the Rockefeller Memorial for the dedication ceremonies. The memorial had been completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in September 1939."
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012
3. “To the free people of America” Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012
4. “To the free people of America” Marker
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 4, 2009
5. Other Markers
Photographed By Christopher Light, September 9, 2010
6. General area of this marker
The marker is located in the small triangle of grass in the distance, next to the sidewalk that runs east-west.
Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, March 4, 2009
7. View from top of The Great Smoky Mountain
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,292 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 15, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 2. submitted on November 2, 2007, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on June 18, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. 6. submitted on November 2, 2010, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 7. submitted on June 18, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
