The Smoky Mountains: From farming to franchising

Hiking, camping and frolicking in the streams were pastimes that an estimated 9 million visitors now enjoy each year and have spurred an economy of unparalleled proportions.

"It's always been the backbone, the prime attraction, to the millions of folks who come," David Ogle of Five Oaks Development said of the mountains.

The Smokies' natural beauty and its designation as a national park 75 years ago set the stage for what would become the area's No. 1 industry: tourism.

The park's impact on economic development and business is evident from Exit 407 at Interstate 40 along Winfield Dunn Parkway through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and western North Carolina.

Generations of local entrepreneurs were created and national chains entered the market, building hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and souvenir shops that dominate the landscape around the park.

"It changed a lot of farmers into motel and restaurant operators," Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Gary Wade said. "There is some light industry left, but we are no longer a farming community like it was when I was growing up."

The extraordinary growth has brought forth its share of challenges, including traffic and air-quality issues, but longtime natives are proud of how the area has developed and are looking ahead to continued prosperity.