A History of the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine

In the summer of 1882 a couple of prospectors were on their way west when they decided to stop and pan in the Little Pigeon River . They hit the Mother Lode - more different gems than you could count - Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Tourmaline, Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Garnets, Aquamarine, Smoky, Rose, and more!!! It was unnatural all the different gems they found in this one spot!!!

To help them set up the mine, they went to local merchant, Big Billy. After the shafts were dug he set up the General Store over them. This way the stones as they were found could be taken into the the store where they had assayers to check them out and people to have them cut and mounted.

While digging the shafts three large bears were seen in the area, which gave the mine it's nick name of the Three Bear Gem Mine. It said that these bears can still be seen today...Sometimes as many as five will be seen on a good day

Today the mine is mined by seven small miners who work through the night. In the morning they march off to the cottage they live in, in the Forrest. Sometimes at night you can hear them whistling while they work.

(Now if you believe our history, please see one of the old miners out by the flumes, the next time you are visiting, as he has some Tennessee ocean front property he would like to sell you cheap)