Revisiting the Homestead

Kermit Caughron was the last resident of Cades Cove, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Upon his death, in 1999, his property reverted to the National Parks-Department of Interior and his surviving wife had to leave her home and establish lodging in a nearby town.

Revisiting the homestead (where their 1930's house was removed but the 1800's original log cabin, barn, smoke house, and storage building still remain) are Kermit's wife, Lois, seated in the rocker in the white shirt, and many of the couple's children and grandchildren.

While in residence on the property, the family farmed the land, raised cattle, and tended to the bee hives placed in front of their home along the roadside. It was not uncommon to see visitors to Cades Cove stop to chat with Kermit or make a purchase of his fresh honey. Many still recall his presence in the Cove.