Browning Knob was named in honor of R. Gerry Browning, 1884–1966, who served as location and claims engineer and parkway consultant for the North Carolina State Highway Commission from 1925 to 1964. His forceful presentation of the high-quality scenery found in North Carolina secured the route through Western North Carolina and Cherokee Indian lands to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With consideration and courtesy for those involved, he worked untiringly to secure the rights-of-way for this spectacular mountain parkway. During the construction of the parkway he ably represented North Carolina in its dealings with the National Park Service. His love of the mountains was surpassed only by his love of people.