America’s Frontier History Expedition

Visiting Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Saturday, May 7 from 9 am – 4 pm

From May 7-30^th, 2016 a reenactment of settlers braving the wilderness to seek new opportunity west of the Allegheny Mountains will take place as men and women recreate a 230 mile 18^th century horseback expedition from Sycamore Shoals, Tennessee to Fort Boonesborough, Kentucky, representing a cross section of people and cultures, frontier men and women.

There are fourteen encampment stops planned for the three week journey at which the reenactors will deliver educational presentations for the public. The purpose of this journey is to bring awareness to the need to preserve America’s frontier history the importance of the westward movement, and its impact on the Euro American and native peoples, and the skills necessary to survive on the frontier.

Campfire presentations, live fire demonstrations of Long rifles and the music of frontier fiddling are all planned activities for the event. Parades in Barbourville and Brea, KY as well as demonstrations and presentations at the encampments are also planned. Two highlights of the event include speakers Mark Sage, representing the frontiersmen, and Rusty Cottrell as “Shawnee Chief Black Hoof” representing the Native American culture. Each stop on the trail will be a bit different and the public can plan to see this expedition several times for a different live experience.

At each stop of the journey, there will be an art exhibit by Frontier Artist, David Wright. David’s work gives us a view of life on the first frontier and his paintings capture the daily activities of both the pioneer and the Indian culture.

This event will also help to support horse therapy for wounded war veterans through programs such as “Horses and Hero’s” and Deer Creek Stables in Richmond, KY. These programs help veterans return to a heathy life by using this technique of therapy. Donations of hay, oats, old saddles, blankets and offers of services to the veterans will also be accepted on the expedition. It costs $35.00 to provide a session for a veteran and the public can help them with buying segments or any monetary contributions. Collection stations will be available for the duration of the trip.

The Boone Society, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization made up of over 300 Boone Family descendants of which Daniel Boone is most notable, and whose mission is to preserve the legacy of the Boone Family. America’s Frontier History is sponsoring this event which also brings awareness to the Boone Trace Corridor, the historic road stretching from Cumberland Gap to Fort Boonesborough, constructed by Daniel Boone that opened the gateway west.

On Saturday, May 7, from 9 am until 3 pm, America’s Frontier History Expedition will be on site at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee.   During their visit, please stop by and visit with 18^th century re-enactors who will be making the 230 mile journey from Sycamore Shoals to Fort Boonesborough, Kentucky.

Schedule of Events at Sycamore Shoals

10 am – Noon – Education Stations for conversations with frontiersmen and woman

11 am – noon – George Rogers Clark portrayed by Mel Hankla

2 pm – 4 pm – Education Stations continue

About George Rogers Clark:

George Rogers Clark
Revolutionary War Hero
1752-1818

George Rogers Clark, a tall, talented Virginian, came to Kentucky as a surveyor, but it was as a military leader during the Revolutionary War that he made his mark. In 1777 Clark won approval from Virginia governor Patrick Henry (Kentucky was then a Virginia county) for a secret mission to attack British posts north of the Ohio River. Clark’s party — 175 soldiers and a small band of settlers — set up camp on Corn Island near the falls of the Ohio River in May, 1778. The next month Clark launched a brilliant campaign into present-day Illinois and Indiana, defeating the British and their Indian allies and securing the Northwest Territory for the young United States.

Meanwhile, the settlers Clark had brought along moved from Corn Island to the Kentucky shore, founding the city of Louisville in late 1778. His war exploits marked the peak of Clark’s career. Plagued by debts, drinking and poor health, he spent his later years living in Louisville. Overshadowed by his brother William, of Lewis and Clark fame, he never got the credit he thought he had earned.

http://www.americanhistoricservices.com/george-rogers-clark.html

For more information and to find locations of presentation stops visit http://www.boonesociety.com/pages/americas-frontier-history-expedition/