John Oliver Cabin

It was built in 1822 by the first European settlers in Cades Cove. Constructed entirely of hardwood and some stone for the fireplace, the cabin is held together by notched corners and gravity - you won't find a nail anywhere! Life was hard for the Olivers; upon their arrival, there was no grist mill, so they had to grind their corn with mortar and pestle. With the arrival of more settlers and supplies Cades Cove grew to more than 671 residents by 1850. John Oliver and his wife, Lurena, will always be remembered as the first settlers of European descent who paved the way for a small community to develop.