Ogle was a 19th-century South Carolinian who wished to bring his large family of seven children to the remote beautiful valley with the imposing mountains, numerous creeks, and abundant forests.
They established a settlement called White Oak Flats, named after the trees that blanketed the landscape.
Radford Gatlin moved into White Oak Flats in 1854 and constructed the community’s second general store as well the new post office.
The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, which continues to offer classes, workshops, residencies, conferences, and other programs to carry on this tradition.