Step back in time 239 years to a colorful revolutionary world and witness life as it was on the 18th century frontier during a very tumultuous time. In the summer of 1776 colonial leaders met in Philadelphia to draft a document that would forever change the world. As our guest to Fort Watauga, you too can be part of the excitement as news of American Independence reaches the colonial frontier. What did the colonists think about a new nation? Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future.
The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, host living history organization at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, will be encamped in and around Fort Watauga giving visitors a glimpse of life in 1776. A myriad of activities will unfold throughout the weekend such as militia drill and training, artillery firing demonstrations, open hearth cooking, tomahawk throwing and a special reading of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday at 1:00 followed by a short celebration.
Get an early start on your Independence celebrations and bring the entire family out for a weekend full of history, patriotism, education, and family fun. The event will run from 10:00 until 4:00 on Saturday, June 27th and 10:00 until 3:00 on Sunday, June 28th.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more information about this event please contact the park at 423-543-5808 or log on to these websites: http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org or http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals
Independence on the Frontier: Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 27th
10:00 – Raising the Colours: Start the day off with a bang as the militia falls in for inspection and raises the flag with a patriotic ceremony.
10:30 – Wataugan Footsteps: Join Gillian in the visitors center and learn about an important woman on the frontier, Ann Robertson, who played a crucial role during the siege of Fort Watauga in 1776.
11:00 – “Fix Bayonets”: Join Mr. Davis of the Continental Army and learn about the uses and tactics of the bayonet, one of the most feared weapons used in the Revolutionary War! Then cheer on the Militiamen as they test their skill and aim with this 18th century weapon.
12:00 – “Echoes of Revolution”: The Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums perform martial and field music of the Revolutionary War.
1:00 – Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Join in the excitement as the document declaring our freedom from Great Britain is read publicly inside Fort Watauga. A short celebration will follow.
2:00 – Kids Militia & Rubber Band Rifle Shoot: Attention all able bodied kids! Fall in and drill with the Washington Co. Militia. Then join in the fun of an old fashioned rubber band shooting match!
3:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the Fort’s Cannon.
4:00 – Militia Drill & Retiring the Colours – The Washington County Militia demonstrates the tactics and firearms used during the Revolutionary War, and then retire the flag for the day.
Camps Close to the Public: Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of 18th centuryliving history.
Sunday, June 28th
10:00 – Raising the Colours: Start the day off with a bang as the militia falls in for inspection and raises the flag with a patriotic ceremony.
11:00 – Worship Service: Join us for Sunday Service held inside Fort Watauga.
1:00 – Kids Militia: Attention all able bodied kids! Fall in and drill with the Washington Co. Militia.
2:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the Fort’s Cannon.
3:00 – Militia Drill & Retiring the Colours: The Washington County Militia demonstrates the tactics and firearms used during the Revolutionary War, then lowers the flag for the day.
Ongoing Activities Throughout the Weekend Include…
18th Century Cooking Techniques and Foodways – Colonial Carpentry – Wool Spinning and Fiber Arts – Flintlock Rifle and Musket Firing Demonstrations – Colonial Woodsmen Skills And Much More!
SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC PARK 