Monday, November 3, 2025

Question: Which controversial preacher and store owner—known as “the most hated man in town”—gave Gatlinburg its name?

Answer: Radford Gatlin, a fiery preacher and store owner, gave Gatlinburg its name after opening a general store that housed the town’s first post office in 1856. Though he only lived in the area a short time, his name stuck after the post office adopted it. Gatlin was known for stirring conflict—including feuds with local families and being kicked out of a church he helped found.