The area known today as Maggie Valley, North Carolina began as an isolated settlement in the late 1800’s. One of the pioneer’s, Jack Setzer, made the decision that their community needed a US postal department. So he wrote for permission to make the establishment. What he received was permission to operate a postal service on a trial run and was instructed to keep detailed records. Six months later, Setzer received a second letter from the US Postal Department requesting suggestions for a name for their new post service. After a few rejected names, Setzer then submitted the names of his three daughters: Cora, Mettie, and Maggie Mae. On May 10, 1904, by official letter from the US Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock, the official name of the mountain settlement was to be known as Maggie, NC. Maggie was a pretty little mountain girl with long blond hair and deep blue eyes.

In the early 1980’s, Jennie Renenger moved to Maggie Valley after falling in love with the area. She believed in keeping the area free of litter and debris and so began a daily routine of walking the streets and sidewalks picking up gum wrappers and cigarette trash. Although her routine would begin early in the mornings, she became iconic and was named the Goodwill Ambassador of Maggie Valley and was soon given a uniform of sorts. The attire consisted of a red skirt, green shirt, and bright yellow apron and bonnet. Miss Maggie is now the town’s icon. Her image can be found on souvenirs, postcards, advertisements, and much more.

For many years Jackie Duncan and Dottie Rickman have walked the streets of Maggie dressed in a red skirt, green shirt, and yellow apron and bonnet and play the part of Miss Maggie, the mascot of the valley. Their job is to walk some three miles around a loop and visit with shop owners, patrons and tourists.

There are many things to see and do while visiting Maggie Valley, NC. Among the top rated are: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Ski Resort, Cataloochee Elk, Ghost Town in the Sky Amusement Park, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and many gift shops and restaurants. The Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of rare and historic American Vintage Motorcycles and has been featured on the hit television series “What’s In The Barn?” and has been visited by many other TV celebrities including The American Pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, and more. Maggie Valley is host to many arts and crafts festivals, music festivals, bbq festivals, car shows and even a Moonlight Run race. There are many accommodations available as well. Beautiful chalets are available for rent at Johnson Branch Cabins, a family owned community of beautiful, hand-crafted cabins. These homes are nestled in the heart of Maggie Valley. Come and explore the area and surrounding towns and see for yourself the beauty and magic of the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out our selection of cabins for rent and let us help you make your vacation a truly memorable one!