The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, established in 1934, was one of the first national parks made up of private lands. Unchecked logging practices prompted Congress in saving this large tract of mountain property which spans the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Mingus Mill, pictured here, is found nearby the southern park entrance from U.S. Route 441 and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The old mill is one of the many 19th century structures preserved by the park service. The mill, built in 1886 by John Mingus, remains at its original location. This old mill is missing a classic feature (the water wheel), and a closer inspection reveals its power was generated from an advanced water turbine. The Mingus Mill site is surrounded by a broadleaf forest, predominantly made up of beech, yellow birch and maples. Beginning in mid October, the mix of hardwoods starts to put on a dramatic show.
     Another collection of historic park buildings are gathered together at Mountain Farm Museum, also found near the Oconaluftee Center. Here at the museum, visitors are offered a close-up look at some of the park's late 1800s structures, including a barn, farm home, spring and apple house, and a working blacksmith shop. Great Smoky Mountain National Park; Oconaluftee Visitor Center; Mountain Farm Museum; John Mingus;