11 Most Endangered
Elkmont Historic District
Year Listed: 2004
Location: Tennessee
Current Status: Endangered
Threat: Deterioration, Neglect
Nestled in the heart of America's most heavily visited national park, Elkmont is a link with the era when the park system was in its infancy. Originally established in 1908 as a base for logging operations, Elkmont housed many prominent figures lured by the Smokies' abundant hunting and fishing opportunities. After two-thirds of the area's forests had been depleted by logging, summer residents began advocating government protection for the region - an effort that eventually led to the establishment of the national park that now draws more than 9 million visitors annually.
Update
The project’s federal, state, and local partners continue the review compliance process. The National Park Service has identified a “Preferred Alternative”, but this proposal has gained little support among the projects’ many Consulting Parties. Despite the lack of consensus, the park service anticipates announcing the final decision in the fall of 2007. Issues regarding inadequate maintenance continue, resulting in the demolition of the Wonderland Hotel and the clearing of its site in the spring of 2007. Each of Elkmont’s properties is plagued with deferred maintenance and security concerns, posing an imminent threat to the village’s remaining cottages.
