Monday, June 12, 2017

Little Brier Gap

The weather was too perfect this past weekend to stay indoors.  The mountains were calling me.  Like yesterday, I chose another trail I had never been on.  It was The Little Brier Gap Trail which is situated in the heart of an old mountain community know as Little Greenbrier.   For much of the trek up to the Walker Sisters Place, the passage follows a small currant known as Little Brier Branch.  This was a short easy hike which was nice after our strenuous hike up to Mt. LeConte yesterday.  My husband said as he was going out the door this morning he needed to go back to work so he could rest.😌 

 Rosebay Rhododendron


In 1882 John Walker, father of the Walker Sisters, helped frame the Little Greenbrier School.  The schoolhouse was also used for chapel services by a local Primitive Baptist congregation.  The last classes to be held here was in 1935.




The Walker Sisters, consisting of five spinster sister's who lived in the home refused to sell their 123-acre farm to the national park and were able to maintain their long established mountain life into the 1960's.  Through the years enhancements were made to the farm, several outbuildings, a barn, blacksmith shop, springhouse, apple house, pig pen, corn crib, smokehouse and a small tub mill.  Today only the springhouse, corn crib and cabin remain at the site.


In 1964 the National Park assumed control of the land when Louisa, the last of the Walker Sisters died.  The National Park restored the cabin in 1976.

Stone and I at the side entrance to the Walker Sisters Place


The Walker Sisters Place Springhouse

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