13-03-2025
Rebel yells, Old West shootouts, a flooded mine: Attractions that came before Dollywood
Tourism transformed Pigeon Forge from a speck of an outpost to a travel destination. Dollywood − which celebrates its 40th season this year − cinched the deal, but a series of other theme parks paved the way first.
Before there was Dollywood, Pigeon Forge visitors got their fix of themed attractions and old time crafts and traditions from the park's predecessors, places such as Goldrush Junction and Silver Dollar City. The themes of those parks ushered in many contemporary Dollywood favorites − live performances, Southern comfort food and train rides through the foothills of the Smokies.
Those early parks might not have become the institution that Dollywood is today, but they were beloved just the same, and many still have fond memories of visits to Dollywood's predecessors in the days when they were more than just traces left behind.
Grover Robbins Jr., who operated the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, announced plans for a new, similar attraction in not-yet-incorporated Pigeon Forge in November 1960, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that year.
The ride, called Rebel Railroad, was to include a 3.25-mile scenic route by train with a replica 19th-century town near the station. Several locomotives were transported to Pigeon Forge from Alaska, including Klondike Kate.
Klondike Kate, now called Klondike Katie, remains at Dollywood today as one of the engines for the Dollywood Express.
By July 1961, Rebel Railroad was open, according to a News Sentinel article that month. In all, the project cost around $1.5 million. "Rebeltown" by the station included a blacksmith shop, saloon, newspaper office (with "ye editor") and post office.
A News Sentinel article from August 1961 described how the ride had become a favorite of many children, who were given toy rifles and pistols, taught the Rebel yell and charged with delivering supplies to fellow soldiers while fighting off Yankee troops along the route.
In 1964, Rebel Railroad changed its name to Goldrush Junction. Additional track was added, and the town was updated.
Five years later, the Cleveland Browns purchased the park. A May 1969 ad in the News Sentinel touted the Log Flume and Lady Gay Saloon, and promised visitors a free photo of their favorite Cleveland Browns player and experiences participating in shootouts with outlaws or "fighting off" Native Americans from the train.
In December of that year, Browns leaders announced they would change the park to have "an authentic mountain village" theme. By April 1970, it had completed a half-million-dollar expansion that included a sawmill, trailer park, picnic grounds, two pools and a trail named in honor of News Sentinel columnist Bert Vincent.
In 1976, the owners of Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, bought Goldrush Junction. When it opened for a new season a few months later, over $300,000 had been spent to revamp the park, the News Sentinel reported in June of that year. Updates focused on landscaping, making buildings look more antique to match its theme and adding craft demonstrations.
Toward the end of 1976, the News Sentinel reported the park would share the name of its owners' sister park in Missouri: Silver Dollar City. The Pigeon Forge park opened for its second season in 1977 with a new flooded mine ride. The president of Silver Dollar City Inc. had a $9 million, five-year expansion plan that would continue to improve the park.
During the park's prime, rides included the Cloud Grabber, the Inventor's Mansion, Blazing Fury and the Rainmaker.
Parton entered a partnership with Silver Dollar City in 1985 to turn the existing park into Dollywood, and Dollywood opened in May 1986.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Before Dollywood, Pigeon Forge had Rebel Railroad, Goldrush Junction
