Andy and Nikki told us about a ghost town in the National Park, that we found and walked around. Not much remains of this town, besides fireplaces, chimneys and stairs, but we thought it was still very interesting.
The town was called Elkmont and it was originally settled in the mid 1800's. In the early 1900's a logging company began working there so the town grew larger. However, by 1926, the logging stopped and in 1934, the Smoky Mountain National Park was started. Many people sold their property and their homes were demolished. However, some people got extended leases and would come back in the summer. The last lease expired in 2001. Those cabins were left have fallen apart and not much remains.
As Bob and I walked around all these old sites, we thought of the people who had lived here, the joys and sorrows that had taken place here, the hopes and dreams these people had. I was reminded again of all the time and value we put into our homes, then the years pass and they fall apart. It's a good reminder to focus on the things that really last! It's not things, it's our relationship with God and those He puts in our lives.
It really IS a ghost town, and a very beautiful and kind of sad one. I think my favorite is the stone fence, it could be from any era in history, it is so timeless. Next favorite is the sweet last one of the bridge. I would love to tour a place like this. But wait...I just have!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful remnants, tho sad. Your last paragraph "hit home".
ReplyDeleteWow - how interesting. You are sure right about the things of this world will all pass away.
ReplyDeleteBoth beautiful and sad. I like the troll bridge best.
ReplyDeleteWow how beautiful and sad at the same time and your last paragraph is indeed true.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed these pictures and think of the people who lived there 'back when'. I enjoy visiting old places like this. I like the bridge best of all. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! Such a cool place.
ReplyDeleteBlessings. xx
Very cool and a little bit creepy at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing the bits of the past that get left behind. Fireplaces always amaze me, so much living was done around them, cooking, drying of wet clothes, reading the family Bible at night, telling ghost stories and etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to put this on the list of places we need to go visit.
Hauntingly beautiful. But yes, love the sentiment -that our heavenly home should always be our main focus. 🙏 Love the pics and the fireplaces are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post and your photos, Mari! I always think of the people who lived in old homes that are falling down. Makes me a bit sad. Those stones were laid so well back then, as the remains attest to that fact! Lovely. xo
ReplyDeleteMari, what an interesting place and your photos are lovely. I love to see old fireplaces from a homestead still standing. The rock fence and bridge are beautiful. The moss on the rocks is charming, I am very thankful for your friendship through blogging. I am thankful that the Lord brought so many of us together through our blogs and for your kindness over the years.
ReplyDeleteThere was an awful gas explosion recently in the UK and 3 houses were destroyed but what's interesting is that the chimneys survived in all of them. Just like the ones in your Ghost town.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a really neat place to explore!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating place! Almost haunting, really! But I do love the bridge! All of the stonework was so well-built it has outlasted everything else!
ReplyDeleteAmen sister. Our life is but a vapor. Fascinating place! I think this is the place Brittany has told me about, and we want to visit there together on an autumn day! But what GREAT symbolic images! Wonderful. Better than that bridge with glass panels, haaahahaha xoxo
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