Great Women of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Defining Nature and the National Park Service

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) reflects evolving American definitions of nature, shaped significantly by three overlooked women—Anne May Davis, Laura Thornburgh, and the Walker Sisters. Their diverse perspectives on nature, influenced by class, gender, and cultural shifts in Appalachia, reveal that the park's creation was driven primarily by its economic potential through tourism. Unlike earlier parks rooted in scenic nationalism, GSMNP's development marked a transition in how nature was perceived—whether as a commodity, moral authority, or means of extraction. This study highlights the National Park system's dynamic evolution, challenging the notion of its static origins and underscoring the role of women in redefining its purpose.

Roberts, R. L. (2014). Great Women of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Defining Nature and the National Park Service [Appalachian State University]. https://doi.org/10.71889/5FYLANTBAK.29860106