Saturday and Sunday, June 30th & July 1st
Step back in time 242 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.
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 30th and 10:00 until 3:00 on Sunday, July 1st. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643.
For more information about Sycamore Shoals please contact the park at
423-543-5808
Independence on the Frontier: Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 30th
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 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the fort’s cannon.
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.
2:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the Fort’s Cannon.
3:00 – Echoes of Revolution: The Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums perform martial and field music of the Revolutionary War.
3:30 – 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.
4:00 – Camps Close to the Public: Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of 18th century living history.
Sunday, July 1st
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.
12:00 – Echoes of Revolution: The Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums perform martial and field music of the Revolutionary War.
1:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the fort’s cannon.
2:00 – 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.
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 Will Include…
Open Hearth Cooking, 18th Century Weaponry, Medicinal Herbs and Plants, Militia and
Frontier Camps, Colonial Era Music, Colonial Games, and Much More!!!
of the resident actors and living history re-enactors who provide entertainment and programming at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, combined with excerpts taken directly from the script of the drama. The illustrations depict the Carter Family’s initial arrival at Watauga, The Transylvania Purchase, The Watauga Compact, Reverend Doak’s powerful Sword of the Lord and Gideon prayer, and the historic march of the Overmountain Men that is credited with turning the tide of the American Revolutionary War. The historical panels are interspersed with illustrations of the Fife and Drum Corps, The Sons of Liberty performers and even Rio, one of the longest running Liberty! Cast members.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site will be hosting an exhibition of Hill’s Liberty-inspired original brush and ink drawings, along with hand-colored mechanical reproductions and large scale hand-embellished Giclee reproductions on canvas of the artwork from the coloring book opening on June 16 and running through July 1. A release party for the coloring book and reception for the artist will be held on July 16 at 2 pm at the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site. All original and reproduction artwork will be available for purchase with proceeds to benefit the Friends of Sycamore Shoals, the organization that produces the Liberty drama each year. Mike Hill will be autographing copies of the coloring book as well as custom-signing off on any works purchased at the event.
outdoor drama, recreating the events of the early pioneers who settled in this region. Here, near Elizabethton, TN, the “first free and independent government was organized on this continent”, leading to the Transylvania Purchase (the largest private real estate transaction in the history of the United States), the Cherokee siege of Fort Watauga, and culminates in the Battle of Kings Mountain, long recognized as the decisive turning point in winning the Revolutionary War.
important days of American history as well as demonstrating the lives of pioneers in a frontier settlement. Moreover, it gives faces to the names we see on many of our street signs and other local area designations. For example, we meet John Sevier, who went on to become the first Governor of Tennessee. We are also introduced to John Carter, and his son Landon, both of whom are reflected in the full name of the Carter Mansion, the oldest frame house in Tennessee. It is preserved by the Park and the associated Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
Enhanced sound and stage effects during Liberty! is accomplished through the use of professional lighting and sound, a well-maintained amphitheater, as well as an all-volunteer cast of nearly 100 local actors in speaking and non-speaking roles. The cast of Liberty! invites you to join us to relive the historic events, challenges, joys and heartaches of those who first made the Watauga settlement their home.
SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC PARK 