Near Gatlinburg in Sevier County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Spence Cabin

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2021

1. Spence Cabin Marker

Inscription. The cabins constructed in this area of Elkmont, called Millionaire’s Row, were developed toward the end of the lumbering boom on prime real estate along the river. Somewhat removed from the more densely populated Daisy Town, these cabins offered more privacy for their owners, and ready access to the community swimming hole.

The Spence Cabin was one of the largest and most impressive. Constructed in 1928 for Alice Townsend, the third wife of Colonel W. B. Townsend, the house was originally called River Lodge.

After the formation of the national park in 1934, lifetime leases were negotiated that allowed families to continue to spend summers vacationing in Elkmont. In 2001, the last of the leases expired. The last leaseholders of this cabin were the Spence family from Knoxville.

”Elkmont was a huge playground and a wonderful place to spend the summer… we were always so busy and occupied and enjoying the Elkmont area [with] all the other kids that happened to be there, that we didn’t think too much about our parents.”
—Herb Handly, Elkmont resident

Erected by National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 35° 39.22′ N, 83° 34.733′ W. Marker is near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in Sevier County. It can be reached from Little River Road just south of Jakes Creek Road B, on the left when traveling south. Marker and subject cabin are about 1/10 mile east of Little River Road. Access to Little River Road is via Elkmont Road, about 4½ miles west of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gatlinburg TN 37738, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in the Great Smoky Mountains.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

Marker detail: Colonel W. B. Townsend image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Colonel W. B. Townsend

Colonel W. B. Townsend, president of the Little River Lumber Company, had successful lumbering and railroad operations in Pennsylvania and Kentucky before coming to Tennessee.

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

the State of Franklin,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rare Mountain Forest (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elkmont Historic District: Appalachian Club (about 500 feet away); Cabin #5: Ijams/Addicks Cabin (about 700 feet away); Cabin #1: Fulton/Sneed Cabin (about 800 feet away); Cabin #11: Brisco/Noyes/Scruggs (about 800 feet away); Cabin #9: Farr/Galyon (about 800 feet away); Cabin #7: Townsend/Mayo (about 800 feet away); Cabin #50: Ownby/Avent Cabin (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gatlinburg.

Regarding Spence Cabin. Contributing property, Elkmont Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #94000166.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Elkmont Historic District

Also see . . .
1. Spence Cabin "River Lodge". The large cottage was built in 1928 as a vacation home for Alice Townsend, wife of Colonel Townsend, who owned both the Little

Marker detail: “Millionaire’s Row” image. Click for full size.

3. Marker detail: “Millionaire’s Row”

Some of the larger, more well-appointed cabins were located along the Little River in what was referred to by some as “Millionaire’s Row.” The residents included high ranking officials of the Little River Lumber Company and Railroad.

River Lumber Company and the Little River Railroad. The cabin was part of the Appalachian Club resort community, whose members escaped to the mountains in summer to enjoy tennis, picnics, dances, and swimming in the chilly waters of the river. The National Park Service has restored River Lodge to its historic appearance and it is now available for day use rental. (Submitted on May 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Spence Cabin. (professional quality video tour of Spence Cabin) (Submitted on May 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Appalachian Club Swimming Hole image. Click for full size.

4. Marker detail: Appalachian Club Swimming Hole

The Appalachian Club swimming hole was located just below the Spence Cabin.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2021

5. Spence Cabin Marker

(marker on left • Spence Cabin in background)

Spence Cabin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 12, 2021

6. Spence Cabin

Photographed by Tom Bosse, November 2, 2024

7. Spence Cabin

Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,614 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 27, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on November 23, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.