The area known as Elkmont, Tennessee was initially inhabited by the First Peoples. The first known permanent European inhabitants resided along Jakes Creek in the 1840s. The creek's namesake, Jacob Hauser (c. 1791-1870), was probably the first to arrive. He was followed shortly thereafter by the family of David Ownby (1816-1889), who came to the area to search for gold.National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the Mayna Treanor Avent Studio, Section 8: 6. The small community that developed in the valley was known simply as "Little River".Weals, p.24. Like most Appalachian communities, the residents of Little River developed a subsistence agricultural economy. Most residents grew corn and apples and kept bees for honey. Several gristmills arose along Jakes Creek.Douglas Harnsberger, , 1 May 1993, Section 8: 6.
