Near Cherokee in Swain County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Hogs

Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 6, 2021

1. Hogs Marker

Inscription. Hogs were the main source of meat on mountain farms. They could produce several large litters of offspring each year, which helped insure a family's supply of meat. Surplus livestock could also be sold to produce extra income for the family. The meat was relatively easy to preserve, usually by curing it with salt, and the lard produced from the fat was used in cooking and soap making.

Hogs were so self0sufficient that they were turned out into the forest to forage for food. Fall was the only time many families penned some of their hogs to fatten them for butchering. To keep track of their hogs and avoid disputes over ownership, farmers frequently cut identifying marks into the animal's ears.

Erected by Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 35° 30.733′ N, 83° 18.212′ W. Marker is near Cherokee, North Carolina, in Swain County. Marker can be reached from Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) 0.7 miles north of Blue Ridge Parkway, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, 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. Blacksmith Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Sorghum Cane (within shouting distance of this marker); Broomcorn (within shouting distance of this marker); Sorghum Mill and Furnace (within shouting distance of this marker); Corn Cribs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Springhouse (about 300 feet away); The Meathouse (about 500 feet away); Apple House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cherokee.

Also see . . . Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, National Park Service. (Submitted on January 20, 2022.)

Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 6, 2021

2. Hogs Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.