Abstract:
The movement to establish a park in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina began in the late 19th century, organized by the efforts Asheville citizens. For many years, the Appalachian National Park Association waged a publicity campaign to gain the support of congressional figures, despite opposition to the establishment of a forest preserve in the Southern Appalachians. Eventually efforts led to the completion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the country.