History of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2026

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a city in Sevier County with a population of 6,343 as of 2020, is a popular tourist destination located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It caters primarily to Southern culture and country music enthusiasts. Key attractions include Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country, alongside a variety of museums, musical theaters, and shopping centers, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly entertainment hub.

1934: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Opens

In 1934, with the opening of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Tennessee Valley Authority reported no tourism-oriented businesses in Pigeon Forge.

1961: Rebel Railroad Opens

In 1961, brothers Grover and Harry Robbins opened Rebel Railroad, a Civil War-themed attraction, in Pigeon Forge's Middle Creek area.

1964: Rebel Railroad Renamed Goldrush Junction

In 1964, due to waning interest in the Civil War Centennial, the Robbins brothers rebranded Rebel Railroad as Goldrush Junction, adopting a "Wild West" theme.

1967: Log Flume Ride Added to Goldrush Junction

In 1967, a log flume amusement ride was added to Goldrush Junction, sourced from the New York World's Fair.

1969: Art Modell Purchases Goldrush Junction

In 1969, after Pigeon Forge designated the US-441 strip for tourism use, Art Modell, owner of the Cleveland Browns, acquired Goldrush Junction.

1976: Goldrush Junction Sold and Renamed

In 1976, Art Modell sold Goldrush Junction to the Herschend Brothers, who renamed it Silver Dollar City.

1982: Pigeon Forge Initiates Economic Plan

In 1982, Pigeon Forge began an economic plan focused on theme parks, outlet malls, and music venues, with the opening of Factory Merchants outlet mall that year.

1985: Dolly Parton Partnership

In 1985, the Herschends partnered with Dolly Parton to promote Silver Dollar City, later renamed Dollywood.

1987: Outlet Malls Dominate Revenue

By 1987, Pigeon Forge had four outlet malls, which by the early 1990s, generated 44% of the town's gross revenue.

1994: Magic World Closes

In 1994, Magic World, a competitor to Silver Dollar City, closed its theme park on Pine Mountain.

1994: Tearing down of Horatio Butler's house

In 1994, the house purchased by Horatio Butler in 1797 was torn down after remaining with his descendants for many years.

2001: Dollywood Expansion

In 2001, Dollywood expanded with the addition of a separate water park.

2010: Pigeon Forge Demographics

According to the 2010 census, Pigeon Forge had 5,875 people, 2,238 households, and 1,482 families residing in the city. The population density was 506.5 inhabitants per square mile (195.6/km).

2012: American Community Survey

According to the 2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income for a household in Pigeon Forge was $34,949.