Appalachia Mountain Men of Cades Cove in The Great Smoky Mountains

[@sharonhooks9071]

I love Cades Cove and have visited many,many times. It never gets old.❤

[@brianbrown4315]

You're stories are amazing so cool 😎

[@billwhitacre703]

My family has been in these mountains since the 1700's. There's no place like Appalachia, no place like home. This is a great channel, Mr. Donnie you do a great job honoring our ancestors.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks so much for saying this. God bless you.

[@billwhitacre703]

@@donnielaws7020 You're most welcome, God Bless you.

[@bl8680]

Same here. My family came here from Scotland, Ireland and England. Some from Scandinavia.

[@reggiepalmer6157]

❤❤❤❤

[@gw9189]

Give my best to your sister/wife.

[@lorierobbins-md9ih]

John Oliver was my relative. My maternal grandmother (who is still living and age 92) is an Oliver. Dozens of my ancestors are buried in those cemeteries there. I have traced the lineage back of both John and his wife. This is a wonderful documentary about the Cove. Thank you for your work on this!

[@donnielaws7020]

That's so awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this. God bless you.

[@BrianMills-b8i]

My 2x great granddad was named John Oliver and came to Kansas from the Cove in 1871. My wife’s ancestors ate the Tipton’s from Cade’s Cove

[@BrianMills-b8i]

*are*

[@jamesmoore3782]

I wanted to reach out to you because my great-grandfather was John McCauley

[@pug6909-u2g]

John Oliver is my great great great great grandfather my dad's mother was a Oliver her dad was than he used to be the constable in walland way back when

[@sleepisforpeoplewhoneedsle2106]

Mr. Donnie. I live in west TN next to LBL and the 23rd wildlife. I grew up here and I love all the same things you do. You remind me of my father in so many ways. Following your channel really helps me when I get to missing him and his friendship. There are fewer and fewer people that appreciate what's he taught me to believe in what is important and you are helping preserve it. Man I wish we three could sit around a pot belly stove and eat smoke jowl together and talk. But like these old structures he is gone and thats just time that has passed us by. I appreciate you man. I wish the best for you and yours.

[@donnielaws7020]

That's awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this. I understand how you feel. I feel the same way. God bless you. Thank you very much.

[@redriver6541]

Cades Cove is such an absolutely beautiful place. I could spend my life there.....if it weren't for the tourists.

[@donnielaws7020]

I understand my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@ksrebelbuck7936]

Lived in East Tennessee all my life, my family's from this area, been to Cade's Cove probably 100+ times in my life. Easy to go to it when you live 25 minutes away lol. Love this land, proud to call it home

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@blukhat]

Thank you for telling the truth of the smokey mountains, and the rich history of the folks, and the Cherokee nation. Love it. And it so beautiful

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@kentuckypride3802]

I absolutely love early American history like this. Thanks for sharing this story with us.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@N2Mtns2]

It’s not told often how the Union STOLE the boys old enough to fight. Stole ‘em. (edit) what hasn’t the Park & Recreation taken over. Cudjo’s Cave & such.

[@alansnowdeal9845]

I absolutely Love The Apps.Doesn't matter where on it You are or How many times Ya Hike it,You'll never know what the next step or turn is going to bring&most are too self centered to ask the Folks Who live&know each part like the back of Your Hand.Ya might warn em,or hey it's th AP TRAIL& let em go on through&they might See what We all know Roams the Same Trail.

[@katesleuth1156]

Respect and love for all of the pioneers that built America.

[@donnielaws7020]

Amen my friend.

[@roostercrows9141]

My grandmother was Cherokee. Love your stories.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you.

[@susanm.jeavons]

My Granny always told us she was part of the Wild Potato Clan. She was a McDonald born in Murphy, NC in 1906.

[@sheilacape4794]

​@@donnielaws7020my granny Sharp was Cherokee Indian, she ended up in Lindale Georgia where she past at age 92 in the mid 70's. I miss her sweet smile, such a small little woman! Thanks for your videos, they take me back then...

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@davetate2932]

Thank you Donnie for all the time and hard work you have done on the times and lives of the ones that made this country.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@angiemurphy3693]

I absolutely love these stories. I really enjoy going too Cades Cove. Keep em coming Donnie....

[@thomasbrown8468]

My grandpa. Great great great probably was Daniel white. One of the first settlers in lauderdale county Alabama. He bought a stage coach from double head. Really rich history. Elgin crossroads. Lauderdale Al

[@thomasbrown8468]

There was a big village beside blue water creek

[@donnielaws7020]

@@thomasbrown8468 WOW!

[@bradlane3662]

According to what I've learned on Ancestry, my family has been in these Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and here in West Virginia since the late 1600s. I feel as if I'm as much a part of it as the dirt, the trees, the water, and the wind that blows across it all. A great history lesson Donnie. Thanks for the hard work you put in trying to preserve it for future generations.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing your story. God bless you.

[@TomTom-io8lc]

Same here,

[@lisaaweems5932]

Same and i live in Oklahoma. This particular prog brought me home in my heart and soul.

[@saintaugustine4065]

Cades cove has to be on of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks again Donnie

[@donnielaws7020]

Amen my friend. Thank you for sharing. Your very welcome.

[@Diane_Phoenix]

Donnie, Thank you for keeping the history and stories of our people alive.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@garrysekelli6776]

This is some serious local history content. Great dedication in keeping all this documented.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Most people who come to the Cove have no idea of its history.

[@mikelabadie4328]

nothin better than a great history lesson told so well great respect to you sir for taking the time to share all these great stories

[@reecia3197]

Thank you for helping preserve the history of one of the most beautiful areas of our country.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. God bless you.

[@ECW-h5c]

We love watching your videos. I don't come home and watch the news anymore. I put it on Donnie Laws videos. Thank you for doing what you do! Thank you Donnie Laws!

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this my friend. God bless you.

[@steeldriver1776]

This is just awesome. I'm Cherokee, German and Scottish. I was born and raised 65 miles from Cades Cove near Mountain Rest South Carolina. We would hunt the valleys and spurs all the way up to Cades Cove. Never knew why it was called that.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@AUNTFRED]

I live in Mountain Rest! I love it here. I just visited Cades Cove for the first time two weeks ago, and i find these videos to be fascinating. Thank you for making them Mr. Laws.

[@hoot3168]

Used to go to Cades Cove as a kid. And my family name was on a barn, and a lot of graves. Little did I know, when I did our genealogy it was my kinfolk! My family moved over to NC. But you get a feeling, when you go into Cades Cove, that’s it’s a special place. Thank you for telling the story.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome.

[@noneya2567]

Oh bull.

[@colleenhelminiak1429]

I could listen to you tell the stories of Appalachia til the cows come home.......the history of the mountains is something that should be told to the generations to come, and I hope that they will care for them until time stops forever. I hope that one day I can walk along the paths of the past in Cades Cove - and appreciate the people who worked so hard to make this beautiful place home. 🌄🌄🌄💖💖💖

[@donnielaws7020]

Well said my sister. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@1stofer]

For some reason, history isn't taught anymore. It's a shame. Maybe because of what we did to the natives , idk. My great great grandparents are buried in Cades Cove and I didn't even know until I was in my twenties. All I was told by relatives was that we had ancestors from there. It's a beautiful place , almost trapped in time. Too bad many of the old structures weren't better preserved.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@janetwheeler4210]

Thanks for sharing all of your stories, I know that they will be remembered for years and years, please continue to share so our history is not forgotten, God 🙏 bless you and yours ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@thegreatowl4912]

"Before the park took it". That sir, is an interesting phrase and one I would hear often from kin now passed. I live in West Virginia. My Grammaws family owned 350 acres of bottom land on the South branch of the Potomac river. In 1964, the government came in with claims of tax not paid and took the land. It's now a National park. I've learned over the years this was not uncommon practice and something the government did throughout the whole of Appalachia. God Bless you for another great video and keep up the great work.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this story my friend. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@gillisBR549]

Still taking ppls land … the federal government

[@lol-ld3jh]

Was this by Romney?

[@thegreatowl4912]

@@lol-ld3jh This was not in Romney. But, I am sure familiar with that area. It was closer to Petersburg

[@lol-ld3jh]

@@thegreatowl4912 gotcha my parents live in purgitsville

[@matthewh117]

Hey Donnie. Great work on the history of Cade's Cove. The people that lived there were hard as nails, with hearts of gold. Thanks friend and have a great evening.

[@donnielaws7020]

So true my friend. Thanks for sharing. Your very welcome.

[@drtom5936]

Another great video. Reminds me of sitting at my gradpa's feet and hearing stories that he would tell. I loved seeing the old folks and hearing the stories they would tell about how life was back in their day. You are keeping it alive Donnie and I thank you again for it.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@janicemclaughlin8100]

Mr. McCaulley was a fascinating hardworking man. I have so much respect for all our ancestors. Donnie thanks for all your hard work researching and educating us all. Love it.✌️❤️✨

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

[@SGortelli]

Like listening to these stories

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@boogerdog5247]

@@donnielaws7020 Have visited many many times, yet many sights I've yet to see. Nearly fifty years spanning since 1975, but still learning new things of a very very special place.

[@Peachy08]

My second time watching this. I can never get enough. Planning another trip this month. Thank goodness they did save this place!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@robinhaupt9119]

Thank you Donnie for helping us remember our history.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@accousticdecay]

Thank you Donnie, please keep making these videos as long as you can. This is important for our children and grandchildren.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome my friend. Lord willing I will. God bless.

[@brentobrien6642]

From Canada been to the mountains in Tennessee 4 times and couldn't get back soon enough every time we left. Such a feeling there

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing.

[@ralfgroh2719]

I never tire of listening to this particular presentation. thx!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome. Thank you.

[@thomaswoody2733]

Donnie I am humbled by your story. I was born in Asheville NC in 1963. I love these mountains more than anything I know, and I been halfway around the world during my time in the Navy. There is nowhere like home once you see those blue ridge mountains in the distance. You can smell the sweet cool air . I am proud to be a Appalachian person who is considered a local by all the tourists that don't have a clue how we grew up living off of taters and pinto beans. Government cheese and a big can of peanut butter, with a lot of powdered milk. I guess it make us tough. Thanks Donnie. I wish I knew where I could get some venison because I don't hunt anymore. I sure remember that squirrel dumplings my momma made for us .

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome story my friend. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you. Merry Christmas my friend.

[@JefferyAshmore]

I am a 1963 model also from illinois. We didnt have deer here when i was a kid, we were farmers had beef, rabbits ,squirrel, pheasants, quail. Alot of navy beans and fried potatoes. Lots of gravy. I miss my grandparents alot.

[@randlerichardson5826]

My great great grandmother was full blooded Cherokee Indian. I wish I could have met her I really do. I wonder if that’s why I love hunting and fishing so much??? Thoughts like this pop in my head all the time anymore. I get the urge to live in the wilds away from everything to.

[@donnielaws7020]

I truly understand my friend. I have the same feelings. God bless you.

[@noneya2567]

Oh bull.

[@Bodycountunknown]

My grandmother was the full-blooded native Alaskan and I've heard stories of the terrors that they went through, children were taken from their families and sent to boarding schools. In these schools you would get beat if you spoke your native language they also gave you a "English" name and you are not allowed to go by your real name. The US government was oppressing native people well into the 40s and '50s. Who am I kidding they still do it.

[@jugghead-1975]

Go watch some of dick prenicke old wilderness docs! I have those same urges and so did dick except he stayed 30yrs in twin lakes Alaska after cutting him out a home by hand !

[@karensl71]

I relate to that. My grandad looked full-blooded Indian. My mom always believed she was because she cared about the land and plants and animals so much, she told me it must be in her heritage. I too could live outdoors. I can't right now, but hope it's in my future to live off the land. Man has forgotten the best ways to live. Hopefully some are going back to it. ❤️

[@jugghead-1975]

Love that Indian history... They loved these mnts more than anyone so hearing and sharing their history is important! Thank you Mr Donnie for another great down home show ! Happy new year

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. HAPPY new year.

[@roberthand6436]

Donnie, simple words can't express how much I appreciate you and your dedication to telling the stories you share! Cades Cove is my favorite place, and I've been there many times. On one trip, I stopped at the Primitive Baptist Cemetery, had a piece of paper in my pocket and wrote down 14 names, just to check and see if I might be related? Out of the 14, I found 8 cousins, including John Oliver, my 15th cousin, four times removed! 😃 My family came through there on the way to Middle Tennessee, and apparently quite a few stayed right there. Thanks again, my friend, and may G-d bless you and yours always! ❤

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW that's awesome my friend. So much history. Thanks so much for sharing this. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@llewellynwhite1745]

Great History

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@ginamcknight8115]

Bro Donnie I play your playlist to help me have a peaceful sleep.I come from a long line of insomnia.But when I wake up during the night you are still talking with your comforting voice.This playlist is the best for me because of the Tipton family.Bout to take a nap now and got my playlist going😊 Blessings

[@donnielaws7020]

God bless you my friend.

[@PianoGirl76]

I love this and appreciate it! We are hoping to move into these mountains one day soon. When I am in those mountains, I feel like I am finally home. My health improves, as does my spirit. I am 1/16th Cherokee and can feel the pull of this area.

[@primesspct2]

Thank you so much for teaching me the history of Cades Cove.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@donaldwells2102]

Thanks Donnie for sharing with us the history of Cades Cove, its settlers, and the lives they lived.God Bless and have a Good Evening 🙂.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. God bless.

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Yay Storytime Thanks Mr. Donnie!🤸🏻‍♀️💜

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome.

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

@@donnielaws7020 Yw😊

[@dianelowrey4339]

I love history. My family was the first settlement in the Cumberland Gap (The Hensley Family) then they settled in Kentucky in the Appellation Mountains Middlesbrough and Hyden I love to go visit my cousins as a kid. I enjoy your lessons ❤️🙏🏻

[@donnielaws7020]

That's awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing your story with us. God bless you.

[@TennValleyGal]

Wow! Donnie. That was a nice piece of history. I've always wondered how Cade's Cove got it's name and now I know. Thanks for all your research on the cove, which is so beautiful that it's got to be one of God's favorite places on earth.

[@donnielaws7020]

Amen my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@philliphill5569]

I enjoyed watching this video very much. I was able to visit Cades Cove this past September. The drive through the cove was some 11 miles long with plenty of places to stop and see. I went inside the churches and a couple of old cabins. It was a unique experience and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence while there.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@gregoryj.m.8985]

The archive photos are so neat , it is such a beautiful peaceful place , and once a thriving little valley so steeped in history. Thank you for the video and history Brother.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. Your very welcome.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

THANKS DONNIE, for your dedication for bringing back a little history in your part of the country 👍

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. Thank you.

[@davsay2]

Great history lesson Donnie. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome.

[@mrs.g.9816]

Your documentaries are much better than any I'd see on the History channel. So much sadness in the history of Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but it is all beautiful and I'm glad it's being preserved for future generations.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you so much my friend for sharing this. God bless you and Merry Christmas.

[@ipomoeaalba936]

Right on time Mr. Laws! A reason to take a seat and relax. Good evening to you sir, thank you.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@sharonmccomas4173]

Donnie I just can't thank you enough for all the hard work you put into your channel. So interesting and the way you tell it and your voice is amazing. Thank you so much GOD bless you

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks so much my friend for saying. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@Faradiddle]

We have gained Much over the Centuries...but we have lost Much too...another excellent video. 👍

[@donnielaws7020]

So true my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@homesteadingpastor]

Thank you Mr. Donnie, I really enjoyed this video. I love history and I love visiting Cades Cove every year, sometimes a couple times a year. And every time you make a video about the history of this awesome place and the fine folks that use to live there, it makes my visit there even better. Loved the interview of Mr. John McCaulley to 😊🙏🏻👍🏻❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing this.

[@rickbrown4199]

My family and I can't hardly wait until your next video drops. Thank you for bringing quality family entertainment into our home.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you so much. So glad you enjoy them. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@williamhollman3763]

My great grandfather was a Worley from Tennessee and his wife was a Worley from Ashe County NC both just north of Cades cove. Thanks for showing our early local history.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. Your very welcome.

[@larryduvall316]

It's been a while sence I've seen one of your video's, I'm so glad you're still sharing the history of our great land and the people who made it through,, Thanks again Mr Donnie !!!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. God bless you. Your very welcome.

[@stephenmayne4886]

Thanks Donnie for sharing another great America history story. Merry Christmas 🎅

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. Merry Christmas.

[@danhughes587]

Good job Donnie.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@jjpdawgs8956]

Thank you Donnie for all you do Brother!

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@melvinjackson2212]

i,m not from the mountains. i was born and raised in louisiana. but your stories made my mind go back to yesterday and the stories i remember. i grew up dirt poor. i know my time aint longer but i have lived a life that i wouldn't trade for anything.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@joanharkin6540]

Love this story!! Thank you so much!! Love n Bless you ❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. God bless.

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

The Trail of Tears was so horrible. I live in Okla been here all my life. I'm 64 years old. I live about 5 miles from Cherokee County. About 25 miles from Tahlequah Okla. Capital of Cherokee Nation. Cherokee Nation owns our little town where I live. We are very proud of our Cherokee Heritage. I really enjoyed this story. I love your voice. That's just about how we talk in Oklahoma. ❤

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks so much for sharing this. God bless you. Yes that was sad time in our history.

[@MichaelGloth-f7j]

Park should have left the cabins

[@tammyevans7333]

Great history, so nice to hear

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend.

[@harrygourley6443]

Donnie thank you for another wonderful video. I enjoyed it so much. I would love to live in the mountains and get away from the rat race God bless you Donnie and I miss your videos I hope you are getting better

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. Thank you.

[@barbaratatton3855]

This is maybe one of my favoirite pieces you've done on these mountains, the country , the people and lifestyles. I made a screenshot of yoir chestnuts in this video to post. It's about that season for chestnut roasting. Thank you agian for sharing these videos. They fill my heart. Happy Holidays to you.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you. God bless you.

[@barbaratatton3855]

@@donnielaws7020 Thank you. Your videos and sharing are a blessing I am grateful for and enjoy. God Bless you too.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. God bless.

[@Peckerwood-502]

Was recommended to do the drive through when we were there. I’m so glad we did. Absolutely beautiful place and tons of wildlife. Had a couple mama bears and their cubs, a few big boys, tons of deer and turkeys. Can’t wait to go back again.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@danielt.3152]

I have hiked the Appalachian Trail and Natchez trace hiking and I have been the Cades Cove and many southern civil war battlefields. It’s interesting to learn the history, I have been all over the USA by train,car, airplanes etc. and honestly I agree Appalachia is a one of the most beautiful places in this country, it’s hard to explain to people what it is really like my gf has not really traveled much on the east coast, and I feel like it’s near impossible to explain Appalachian Mountains to her. I think the Fall season is the best time to see this part of country. I think the ability of the people to be inventive and self sufficient was really speaking to how really creative and intelligent they were. I am not saying it was easy either, heck most things are hard in life but they found ways to make a living, and live a decent life most of them.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this my friend. Thank you friend. God bless you and HAPPY new year.

[@Nonniemaye]

Thank you, Donnie . My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this video . God bless.

[@allenburdett4923]

So interesting, was a hard life for the settlers, had to work so hard, thanks Donnie for another story

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome my friend.

[@louparry7721]

What an interesting video. You have it loaded with history and how things were done back then. Absolutely amazing people. thanks for sharing, your friend, Louise

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@jessicamiller3639]

I'm a Lawson from The Smokys of East Tennessee!!!

[@donnielaws7020]

That's so awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@kannbishop8218]

Love your stories, may our Lord bless and keep you and your family.♥️♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you so much my friend.

[@kannbishop8218]

@@donnielaws7020 your welcome my brother 🙏.

[@paulfulton5078]

Fascinating information! I live in the north...born and raised. But all my ancestors are from the south... mainly Alabama. My great grandmother was full blooded Creek Indian. Her father in law (my great great grandpa) fought in the Civil War in an Alabama company unit. So I have close ties to the south, always will.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@tomhouston8769]

I love the stories u have about the smokies Love to hear more God bless my friend

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this.

[@davideason3141]

Donnie, I like all of your videos, but this one was especially good. Thank you for doing the work it takes to put these videos together, I know it ain't easy.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you so much my friend for sharing this. I really appreciate it. God bless you.

[@CaroleLeamer735]

Its a rainy day here in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. (Much needed rain) I couldn't think of a better way to spend it than catching up on Mr Donnie videos! ❤

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. God bless you. Thanks for sharing this.

[@CathyHendrix1]

What great info on the early settlers of the area! Really enjoyed this! Thanks for passing your knowledge along to us. Hope you are having a good week and God bless!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@Oneof74million]

Thank you Mr Donnie, my family began there (great great papaw. Love the Appalachian mountains always will.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend for sharing this. Your very welcome.

[@cherylatkinson7479]

Another great video Donnie. Thanks for the history lesson and research about the Cove. I hate seeing the clear cut logging they did scaring the mountains like that. It was sort of a no win situation the government stopped the loging but the folks that lived there lost their land. Your sister Robin is starting to take after you with her video's doing history lesson after she goes to the some of the cemeteries. I know you're proud of her.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@richardbonner2354]

Miss Cheryl Atkinson, I hurt seeing that picture of a ravished Countryside..., 'complete' with a rail system to drag the Virgin Timber out, just as You and Mr Donnie Laws do. Interestin'..., Ol' Mr McCaulley spoke of "... Folk being "hot" after the B'ars in November..." so the Bear Clans wouldn't eat too many Cattle and Sheep come Springtime, and Donnie described the loggers as having "logged the area "heavy"..." Those greedy ol' corporation scallywags that took all that Timber..., they weren't "hot after" the wood, or even logging it "heavy"...; there're other words, more accurately descriptive, for what they did to Mother Earth there. A Lady Name o' Buffy Sainte-Marie -- an Original American from way up Saskatchewan way -- wrote a song called 'No, No, Keshagesh', about insatiable 'corporate' greed. "Keshagesh" is a Cherokee word that translates to "greedy guts". A Puppy that inhales all of His food, and then starts snaffleing up His Brother's and Sister's food, too; is a good example of 'Keshagesh'. If You were to "search" on a computer for that song o' Buffy's, You might enJoy it. 🎼🎶"No, No, Keshagesh, You can' DO that no more." 🙂 Rick Bonner Pennsyltucky

[@richardbonner2354]

(I was mistaken..., yet once't agin. Keshagesh is a Cree word, not a Cherokee word. Yet, One thing I'm sure of, the "meanin's" the same. Another thing of a certainty is, Ever'One smiles an' crys in the same language, the whole Whorl' over.) 🙂 Rick

[@doomman700]

The folks there were allowed to stay.

[@lisaculp8434]

Dear Sir...I enjoy your "stories of truth -& inspiration" more than any other I've listened to. Thank you for sharing your teachings with us. God bless & keep you & yours always. Can't wait for the next video.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you so much. Your very welcome. God bless you.

[@ae1586]

My 3rd great grandfather perry Shultz built the grist mill and had a gold mine in sevierville and in the 1960s a cache of gold coins would be found on his former homestead , family history says that he had procured dies from the old Charlotte mint in his capacity as postmaster and had quite literally minted his own money

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@debbiepalmer6295]

I could listen to your stories all day. I love learning this history of the places I love. Thank you and god bless

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend. Your very welcome. God bless.

[@luke8210]

I've lived in Arizona all my life. Ancestors, fought the apaches here. Then later, helped sign laws to secure rights for them. But to be honest, I've always felt a draw to apalachian country. Sure hope to travel that way someday. Great video, sir.

[@donnielaws7020]

WOW Thanks for sharing this my. God bless you.

[@Ackb1004]

I can trace my family back to Ashe County, NC. Many are buried there. Thanks for sharing these stories. I feel like I know a lot more about how my ancestors lived.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome.

[@bmiller22765]

Chief Doublehead relocated to northwest Alabama in Lauderdale and Colbert county’s. And we have Bankhead National Forest that covers several counties here. And as far as I know, it’s the only one that people still owns property inside of it and still live there. Great deer hunting!!!

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@00buck2]

So Strange how fast times have changed and not all of it was for the better just my own opinion. Thank you for all the time and work it takes for making these videos for everyone to see. Take care Donnie your friend from N,C

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend for sharing this. Your very welcome my friend.

[@larryreese6146]

Like your comment Mr. Double ought and agree with you in part. Seems that times were simpler, there were fewer people, less crime, and folks were closer together. But there was a time, not too long ago, when young women died of childbirth fever, when measles, mumps, killer influenza, and Killer polio stalked the land, when pneumonia could pretty much be a death sentence. Not until the 1940s was penicillin available and not commonly available until the 50s, right about the time I was born.. Not until the 1930s was rural electricity a common commodity. I well remember trudging to the outhouse on dark snow covered nights for a distance that seemed like a mile, the north wind whistling up the outhouse drop tube. Our house had little insulation and only 2 fifteen Amp breakers for light bulbs and we took our baths in the long wash tub with water heated on the stove. We were lucky to have running water in the house. Some of our relatives didn't. Yes, it's easy to get nostalgic but in lots of ways these are the good old days.

[@00buck2]

@@larryreese6146 yes they were some very hard times and doing without running water is very hard once you get used to it. I had the mumps when was just a little boy and still have scars from where I had the checking pox but seem like people cared about each other more than today and it was up to us where we wanted to wear a mask or not plus we never had one to wear. and we knew all the people that lived for miles around and people looked forward to getting new things now days they have to rent a place to put stuff they have so much. we never had a light in the out house but did have it in the main house when and if could pay the power bill. I remember carrying water in the winter and would have to break the ice out of the spring where it would freeze back from the day before and yes it was a very good spring and yes it will freeze over. some things might be better some may not be. Thanks for the reply and take care.

[@larryreese6146]

@@00buck2 2 things other than the fellowship of all those good old hardworking honest folks who have passed on are that cold clear water pulled from the bottom of a well on a hot day. How sweet it tasted. That and those ice cold soda pops you'd pull from the cooler in those old general stores. Shake the water off the bottle and pop the lid. Nothing better than those little strong cokes you used to be able to get. Dime a bottle, if you drank it in the store. Remember? Take care, sir. We had it while we had it.

[@00buck2]

@@larryreese6146 Seems like I can still smell it when I would slide the cooler top back where he kept the Bologna and cheese in there with the cold drinks gave it a different smell. Hope you have a great day and take care.

[@thomasfarley6052]

Thank you so much for all the history and other information on Cades Cove. I have been there several times and it is so beautiful. I thank the Lord for his creation.

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend. God bless you.

[@jjsadventures]

I would love to meet you the next time we’re there and learn more about Cades Cove and those mountains. My heart and soul is in those mountains and when I visit I come home. I would love to live in one of the cabins and enjoy the simple , hard working life

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend. God bless you.

[@jjsadventures]

@@donnielaws7020 I’m hoping we can meet. I love hearing about the mountains and the cove and appreciate the way they lived. Today is such a nightmare with so much technology and modern ways

[@c.s.l2340]

Thank you for the Cades Cove videos. That was one of my dad’s favorite places to go.

[@maxgreene8002]

cool

[@joanies6778]

Love the history of one of the most unique and beautiful places I have visited. God bless.

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks so much. God bless you.

[@jjsadventures]

I hate that the park took the Cove from the residents. I so appreciate the old ways and don’t care for all the modern ways ❤️

[@donnielaws7020]

Thanks for sharing this my friend.

[@alclemmons5603]

I'm thankful that I grew up with my grandparents whose house was just across the field (we lived on the corner 2 acres of their 120+acre farm). Listening to this reminds me of sitting on their porch listening to them tell their stories of what seems to me more and more stories from a much tougher time but a much better time. My other grandmother who lived in the "city" (the same small town) grew up in Cades Cove. She was the 6th of 6 children so her brothers and sisters, who remained in East TN were much older but I can remember some of these same stories (mostly the hunting and being employed by the Park Service). Hearing how those mountains were practically barren from the timber operations is kinda mind blowing having never seen the Park without trees. I can only imagine what it would look like today if it had never been logged (I've seen a few virgin timber that were spared (in Joyce Kilmer Natl Forest just outside of the Park). I went Backcountry (backpacking) for the first time when I was 4 years old....we didn't make it very far that trip...lol) but I would go 2-3 times a year every year since and until I was 18 when we drove up from Lebanon TN year after year, we would stay with my great Aunts and Uncles in Maryville. Always the night before we went to the trail and usually the day we would come out. Talk about good food prepared by wonderful, amazing, what some may call simple people. I believe they were anything but "simple"...I believe life was so tough and work never ended, these people simplified everything they could to make it much more bearable for themselves and their community. They took care of each other in numerous ways. Wish we could find our way back to that type of society. Listening to their stories....this video brings back so many memories. My great Uncle's knew every single trail and fire road in that place. Many of them he (and others like him) cut into the sides of those mountains.... I could go on and on but this video sums up the true beauty of those old mountains and the lives of those who lived there. Thanks for your work on this video. These stories must continue to be told. Bravo Sir. Keep up the good work! Cheers to you!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my. Thanks so much for sharing your memories and story my friend. God bless you 🙏

[@xjackiex24]

✌️😊📸💯

[@joanneganon7157]

Thank you Donnie, that's a lot of History there. Very interesting,I learn so much from you 🌞 It's pouring warm water 40° All week🥴. JO JO IN VT 💞💨❄️

[@donnielaws7020]

Your very welcome my friend.

[@teresachavez.a2zen]

I remember the other part of the interview. He has some great tales.

[@donnielaws7020]

Thank you friend for sharing this. God bless you.

[@angievance8538]

Thank you so much for the information I love the Cades Cove I live down in Maryville and I go up there to get peace just brings comfort to my heart that’s God’s country

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome. Thanks for sharing this.

[@charliehay1520]

Thank you Mr Donnie Laws for sharing the history and your knowledge of the (in my opinion) most beautiful and greatest region on this planet..I try to soak up and devour all the history and knowledge on this region that I can get..it is truly a Awe-some place to Live it does sadden my heart that most who live here do not realize how much history is here..this is old country and still little is known about it..thank you Again Mr Donnie and keep your knife sharp and your powder dry!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thanks for sharing this. Your very welcome. God bless.

[@kittyrhys]

This is the story of my people, my family! Thank you, Donnie!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Your very welcome. God bless.

[@ben8509]

A gem of a video! Just fabulous. You know how to lift a fellas spirits after a long day. The interview at the end was absolutely fantastic!

[@donnielaws7020]

Awesome my friend. Thank you. God bless you.