Alcoa was a hub of activity pre World War II era and mainly for Aluminum Production. However after the Great Depression Alcoa was reduced to nothing and the residents took a stand of not depending on one single source of business. Today Alcoa is a business City and also has developed a tourist side to it. The proximity to the Greta Smokies is definitely an added advantage. Several tours to the mountains are operated from this city. Another interesting fact is that you will find several cities named after popular scientists like Joule, Edison, Darwin, Watt and Bessemer.