living room with stone fireplace in Gatlinburg log cabin

Now You Can Stay In a Cabin With History

Jan 07, 2014

Today there are thousands of cabins in Gatlinburg, but in the early 1800s, there was only one. The first cabin ever built in the area was constructed by the members of the famous Ogle family. These bold pioneers risked everything to settle this land and start a new life for themselves.

When you stay at our Indian Creek cabin you will experience a direct link to this fascinating history. Indian Creek is owned by Jim Ogle, a direct descendant of the trailblazing family that settled Gatlinburg over 200 years ago. This authentic log cabin located along a stream is Jim’s way of sharing his unique heritage with the world.

William Ogle Sets Out

In the early 19th century, William Ogle decided to permanently settle in the land that would one day become the city of Gatlinburg. Leaving his family behind in Edgefield, South Carolina, Ogle came to East Tennessee to make preparations for his new life. With assistance from the Cherokee, Ogle laid the groundwork for his new home by cutting, hewing, and notching logs. Before he could build his cabin, however, William travelled back to Edgefield to get his family. Sadly, Ogle contracted malaria when he returned to South Carolina and died in 1803.

The Pioneer Spirit Persists

After William’s death, his widow Martha Jane Huskey Ogle and her family moved to be with her relatives in Virginia. However, William Ogle’s hard work was not in vain. Around 1806, Martha Ogle, her brother Peter Huskey, her daughter Rebecca, and her son-in-law James McCarter made the journey to Gatlinburg. Using the notched logs William left behind, the family built a cabin that still stands today.

Indian Creek

Much like the original cabin built by the Ogle family, Indian Creek is a secluded log cabin. However, cabins in Gatlinburg have come a long way since the 1800s! Indian Creek features luxurious amenities including a jacuzzi tub, big screen television, pool table, fully furnished kitchen and wireless internet. For more information visit our Contact page or give us a call at 866-808-7525.