Gatlinburg in Sevier County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
A Wonder of the World
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
1. A Wonder of the World Marker
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most pristine natural areas in the eastern United States. Breathtaking mountain scenery, rushing mountain streams, and mature hardwood forests that stretch to the horizon are protected for you and millions of others to enjoy.
In the early 1900s, inspired by the beauty of these mountains, a few farsighted people began a movement to set aside this area as a national park. In 1976, members of the world community acknowledged the importance of these unique natural resources by designating the park an International Biosphere Reserve. In 1983, the park garnered further global recognition when it was listed as a World Heritage Site.
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What does Great Smoky Mountains National Park have in common with the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, or the Galapagos Islands? They are World Heritage Sites. Each has been universally recognized for natural and cultural features that people worldwide admire and want to protect.
In the United States a number of national parks including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Everglades have been listed, along with cultural icons such as the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall. They represent a heritage which Americans share with the world.
Erected by National
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1976.
Location. 35° 42.077′ N, 83° 31.578′ W. Marker is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in Sevier County. Marker is on Parkway (U.S. 441) south of River Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gatlinburg TN 37738, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gladys Trentham Russell (within shouting distance of this marker); Rocky Top (approx. 0.9 miles away); First Methodist Church – Gatlinburg (approx. 0.9 miles away); Baskins Creek (approx. one mile away); Village Gate (approx. one mile away); Gatlinburg SkyBridge (approx. one mile away); Noah "Bud" Ogle Farm (approx. 1.1 miles away); Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Centennial Plaza / Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Settlement School (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gatlinburg.
More about this marker. Photos of a river otter and a mountain stream appear at the center of the marker, and contain a caption of “Biodiversity – the variety of life on Earth – is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. International Biosphere Reserves are
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
2. A Wonder of the World Marker
A photo of the Taj Mahal also appears at the top of the sidebar.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 4, 2012
3. Marker in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 882 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
