Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Posted by: 
vhasler
N 35° 41.015 W 083° 38.363
17S E 261145 N 3952064
Primative one-room schoolhouse/church from the former Greenbrier community is preserved in the national park.
Waymark Code: WM7JV6
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 11/02/2009
Views: 24
Greenbrier was one of the communities taken over when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was formed. Built out of split poplar logs with oak board shingles, the school opened for classes in fall 1882. Over its 52 years of existence, 39 teachers tried to impart some reading, math, writing, and religion. The building also functioned as a Primitive Baptist Church.
Children attended this school from as far as nine miles away - walking or by horse. Subsidence farming in the area required all hands, so school years could be as short as several weeks.
The school closed in 1935 when the GSMNP was created. The central heating stove is missing as well as the bell shown in pictures.
There are several ways to reach this location. One is via the tight one-lane gravel road from the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. In the winter (Jan-Mar) when the road is closed or if you prefer hiking, the 0.6 mi Metcalf Bottoms trail is available which starts at an orange gate from the picnic area. Alternatively from Hwy 321 in Wears Valley, TN take Lyons Springs Road (aka Wear Gap Road) into GSMNP (a "secret" unmarked entrance). Another tight one-lane gravel road will head east to the schoolhouse. Parking coordinates (space for three vehicles) on Wear Gap Road (also closed in winter) are N35 40.995 W083 38.770 for a 0.52 mile walk to the schoolhouse.
Original or Re-creation?: Original
Year the school first opened.: 01/01/1881
Year the school closed.: 05/01/1936
Is the schoolhouse still open as a school?: no
Address:
Medcalf Bottoms
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GSNP, TN USA
37738
Web Address (if available): [Web Link]
Does the school offer 19th century classroom reenactments or day camps?: yes
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