The History of Dollywood

With Dollywood’s 2016 season starting up this weekend, we thought you may like to learn some more about the park’s unique history:

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Rebel Railroad (1961-1969)

Before the Dollywood we know today existed, the park went through several name changes and many expansions. It all began in 1961 with Rebel Railroad. The Robbins brothers opened Rebel Railroad after successfully creating a similar small theme park in their home state of North Carolina. Rebel Railroad featured a coal-fired steam train and a small town that included a saloon, general store and blacksmith shop. Riders on the train were entertained by “attacks” from Indians and robbers, but were protected by Confederates on the train, hence the name “Rebel Railroad.”

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Goldrush Junction (1970-1975)

In 1970, Rebel Railroad was purchased by Art Modell, who was the owner of the Cleveland Browns at the time. The park’s name was changed to Goldrush Junction and it encountered its first expansion. A campground and cabins were added to increase visitor numbers, several shops and a theater were built, and a few children’s rides were brought in. A notable ride was the log flume, which had actually been relocated from the New York World’s Fair. Why Goldrush Junction as a name? Visitors could also pan for gold when they visited the park.

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Goldrush (1976)

Not sure of the reason why, but for one year only, in 1976, the park was renamed Goldrush.

Check out this recently found footage of Goldrush Junction from 1973!

 

Silver Dollar City, Tennessee (1977-1985)

The very next year, in 1977, the park again changed owners and the Herschend family bought the park. As you may know, the Herschend family already owned a theme park, the popular Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. So it was not a surprise when they passed the well known name onto its new property. Goldrush was now known as Silver Dollar City, Tennessee.

In wanting to preserve the Smoky Mountains traditions and heritage, the Herschend family put all of their efforts into creating a park with a small town feel and putting forth the trades that were common for the area. They put over a million dollars into the park over the next ten years, adding rides, craftmen’s booths and shows. They had another successful park on their hands. One ride that the family added that is still popular today is Blazing Fury, an indoor dark ride/roller coaster combination (a personal favorite of mine).

Dollywood (1986-present)

In 1986, fellow Sevier County native and popular singer Dolly Parton joined together with the Herschend family to even further develop the Silver Dollar City, Tennessee property. With the partnership came the final name change and Dollywood was born. For the park’s first year as Dollywood, the area known as Rivertown Junction was added. It included a new restaurant, theater and Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home. The park saw a huge increase in attendance during the opening year, at 1.3 million visitors.

Over the next 30 years, Dollywood would more than double in size and become Tennessee’s most visited attraction. Today, this world-class park is home to eight roller coasters, numerous family and thrill rides, and some of the best food and shows one can experience at a theme park. The charm of Dollywood continues to bring guests back year after year and there is no doubting why it has had the success it has. Read our review of the park here.

Notable roller coaster additions to the park:

1999- Tennessee Tornado

2004- Thunderhead

2007- Mystery Mine

2012- Wild Eagle

2014- Firechaser Express

2016- Lighting Rod

What is your favorite part of Dollywood? Let us know!

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