KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The 407: Gateway to the Adventure development made world headlines in 2022 when international theme park company Puy Du Fou announced it had selected the site for its first American attraction.

In May 2022, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Tribal Council signed an agreement to bring “an all-new themed spectacle inspired by an authentic and heartbreaking Cherokee story of their heroism in World War 1,” to Sevier County. A post from Puy Du Fou said that the attraction is scheduled to open in 2024.

More details on the park are expected later this year.

Puy du Fou parks are known for immersing visitors into history-inspired events — such as medieval battles and Viking conquests — at their locations in France and Spain.

  • Actors perform during the opening presentation of the historical theme park Le Puy du Fou Spain, on August 30, 2019 in Toledo. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP) (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)
  • About 7000 people attend the circus games in the “Triumph’s Sign” live show on August 16, 2013 in the Parc of the Puy du Fou in Les Epesses, western France . AFP PHOTO / FRANK PERRY (Photo credit should read FRANK PERRY/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Birds perform during a show at French historical theme park Le Puy du Fou, in Les Epesses, western France on August 14, 2018. – Six crows specially trained to pick up cigarette ends and rubbish were put to work last week at a French historical theme park. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM GOMIS / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEBASTIEN SALOM GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
  • About 7000 persons attend the circus games in the “Triumph’s Sign” live show on August 16, 2013 in the Parc of the Puy du Fou in Les Epesses, western France . AFP PHOTO / FRANK PERRY . (Photo credit should read FRANK PERRY/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Actors in medieval costumes perform during a ceremony as part of a presentation of a 15th century ring believed to have been owned by French heroine Joan of Arc on March 20, 2016 at the Puy du Fou historical theme park in Les Epesses, western France. The Puy du Fou foundation announced in early March 2016 to have bought the ring attributed to Joan of Arc and valued at 376,883 euros in Great Britain, but whose “authenticity could not be certified” by the L’Historial Jeanne d’Arc museum in Rouen. / AFP / JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD (Photo credit should read JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Actors perform the show “A Pluma y Espada” at Puy du Fou theme park in the outskirts of Toledo, on March 27, 2021. – Today, Puy du Fou Spain theme park, a 183 million euros project on 30 hectares, opened its doors in Toledo “as planned from the start” but with a visitors admission limited to 30% at first, according to its president. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP) (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

“Puy du Fou is known around the world for transporting guests back in time to feel firsthand the excitement and drama of historical moments. This unique attraction promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that will make The 407 truly the ‘Gateway to Adventure,’” said Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Their flagship park theme park in France attracted more than 2.3 million visitors in 2019, trailing only Disneyland Paris as France’s most visited theme park. Puy du Fou has been twice elected “Best Theme Park in the World” and is planning locations in Shanghai, China and England.

“This project in Tennessee developed together with the EBCI means a lot for us: it will initiate our presence on the American soil where there are so many great stories to tell. As lovers of history and cultural roots, we are proud and honored to partner with the EBCI Tribe to achieve this goal,” said Nicolas de Villiers, chairman & artistic director of Puy du Fou.

Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct name of the business development.