Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
November 12 & 13, 2022
Autumn is in full swing. As both the temperature and the leaves continue to fall, we begin to think of the many holiday festivities that wait in the coming days. Over two hundred years ago it was quite the same for the early frontier settlers. On Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 to 4:00 and Sunday, November 13 from 10:00 to 3:00 Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area will become the scene of a Frontier Harvest Celebration as we enjoy a time of friendship, thanksgiving, and recognition of our patriot ancestors.
In Colonial America, before Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday, each colony or community observed days of thanksgiving usually after the harvest had been brought in or after a significant military victory. Join the Washington County Militia, host living history organization at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, for their monthly militia muster and a colonial “Harvest Home” as they celebrate the Overmountain Men’s victory at the battle of Kings Mountain!
Activities throughout the weekend will include programs and demonstrations of 18th century frontier life including open hearth cooking, flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations, music, Revolutionary War era battle tactics, and much more. The weekend will also include a special Veterans Day program on Saturday, November 12th to honor the combatants at the Battle of Kings Mountain and our current veterans and armed service members.
Also, join members of the Overmountain Weavers Guild as they present the Fall Fibers Fair inside the park visitors center throughout the weekend. Visit with local spinners, weavers, and fiber artists to learn more about wool, flax, and other fiber arts. Also do some early Christmas shopping with fiber arts vendors who will be set up throughout the weekend as well.
This is a perfect opportunity for the entire family to visit one of Tennessee’s finest state parks and enjoy a day immersed in history and fun. Admission is free so don’t miss this unique event showcasing Tennessee’s rich heritage. During your time at the park be sure to experience the interpretive exhibits as well as our book and gift shop to make your visit complete. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For additional information about this and other exciting events at the park please call 423-543-5808 or visit us on the web at http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org and tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-
shoals. We look forward to seeing you at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, where you too can “Share in the glorious cause of Liberty”!
Colonial Harvest Celebration & Militia Muster
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(All programs are held inside Fort Watauga unless otherwise noted)
Saturday, November 12th
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Washington Co. NC Militia falls in for morning inspection and flag raising ceremony.
11:00 – Preparing for Winter – 18th Century Food Preservation: Learn how early settlers stored and preserved food and provisions for the long winter months.
1:00 – Skirmish on the Watauga: Witness battle tactics of the Revolutionary War as American patriot militia are pitted against British soldiers and loyalists. (Field adjacent to Ft. Watauga)
2:00 – Salute to Veterans: Join us for a special ceremony as we honor the patriots who fought at the battle of Kings Mountain and salute our present-day veterans and service members.
4:00 – Event Closing: Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of 18th century Living History.
Sunday, November 13th
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.
11:00 – Worship Service: All are welcome for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of Fort Watauga.
12:00 – Preparing for Winter – 18th Century Food Preservation: Learn how early settlers stored and preserved food and provisions for the long winter months.
1:00 – Fifes & Drums of the Revolution: Join members of the Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps and hear the musical side of the War for American Independence along with a salute to local musicians in the 18th century.
2:00 – Skirmish on the Watauga: Witness battle tactics of the Revolutionary War as American Patriot militia are pitted against British soldiers and Loyalists. (Field adjacent to Ft. Watauga)
3:00 – Event Closing: Thanks for joining us. See you next time!
SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC PARK 