Old Christmas at Fort Watauga
Saturday, January 7 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, January 8 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Christmas isn’t over yet! In the 18th century colonial Americans celebrated a holiday on January 6th called Old Christmas. Visit Fort Watauga to learn about the 12 days of Christmas and discover the European roots of our modern holiday celebrations. Contact the park for detailed schedule.
Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale
Saturday, March 11 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, March 12 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity to visit with some of the best fiber artists of our region! If you love fibers, this is the place for you! Demonstrations include weaving, spinning, knitting, natural dyeing, and more. A variety of handmade items will be offered for sale.
Carter Mansion Celebration
Saturday, April 1 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join us for a day of history, traditional arts and family fun as we celebrate the oldest frame house in Tennessee, and the historically prominent Carter family. Travel back to the 1780’s and tour the Carter Mansion. Witness living history reenactors demonstrating aspects of 18th century life and see local craftsmen showcasing traditional skills.
Annual Plant Auction
Saturday, April 22 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
An exciting array of unusual ornamental & native perennials, trees and shrubs will be auctioned during this event. A great opportunity to add new species to your landscape! Sponsored by The UT Extension Service, E. Tenn. Nursery Assoc., and the Eliz/Carter Co. Chamber of Commerce.
Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Saturday, May 6 8:00 am
Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.
28th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
Saturday, May 20 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, May 21 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
It is the summer of 1776, and the Watauga settlement is at war. Join us as 200 colonial and Native reenactors present this dramatic retelling of the Cherokee attack brought on the settlers of the Watauga valley. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle re-enactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see history come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.
Spring Knap-In at Fort Watauga
Saturday, May 27 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Knapping—with a “K”—has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools. Watch primitive skills craftsmen make arrowheads, spear points and other survival tools. There will be demonstrations of primitive tools such as the bow, arrow, and atlatl throughout the day.
Watauga Valley Art Leagues Summer Show – Celebrating 53 years!
Art show and sale, June 9 – 25
Meet the Artist Awards Reception: Sunday, June 11 1:30 – 4:00 pm
This multi-media exhibit is two art shows in one: “20th Annual Judged show” and the “28th Annual Watauga Valley Art League Member show”. Please join us for this popular summer event!
Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals – Our 44th Year!
Friday & Saturday -June 2-3; 9-10 8:00 pm
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday – June 15-17; 22-24 8:00 pm
Tennessee’s official outdoor drama presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution through the eyes of the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled west of the blue ridge. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Presented in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater, bleacher style seating. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Admission Charge.
Independence on the Frontier
Saturday, July 22 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
By today’s standards information traveled slowly in the 18th century. Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence finally arrives on the colonial frontier. What did the early settlers think about a new nation? From fear of war to the hope of a brighter future, walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration.
20th Annual Elizabethton Butterfly Count
Saturday, August 5 9:00 am
Meet naturalist Don Holt at Sycamore Shoals for this day-long winged adventure across town. The morning is spent at Sycamore Shoals and the afternoon in other areas of Elizabethton. Come for all or part of the day! (There is a small fee if you wish to have your name included on the official count list.) Sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association. (Rain Date to be announced).
Small Works Art Show
Saturday, August 12 – August 20
Reception: Sunday, August 13 1:30 pm
Displays of 8 x 10 or smaller works by members of the Watauga Valley Art League are featured during this art event.
Cherokee Heritage Day
Saturday, August 26
Schedule and Times to be announced
Sycamore Shoals is forever linked with the rich traditions and influence of the Native Cherokee. Join us for a day devoted to sharing Cherokee history and culture through traditional arts and historical presentations. Activities include traditional Cherokee dance, music, language, cooking demonstrations, and skills such as basketmaking, finger weaving, beadwork, and woodcarving. Contact the park for a detailed schedule. Admission Charge.
The Gathering at Sycamore Shoals
Saturday, September 9 10:00 am
Join the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution at Fort Watauga in honor of the Overmountain Men and their victory over loyalist forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain. The 243rd anniversary of the “Gathering at Sycamore Shoals” will be celebrated with a memorial service and a ceremonial wreath laying.
Fall Knap-In at Fort Watauga
Saturday, September 9 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Knapping—with a “K”—has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools, and the Knap-In at Fort Watauga is our celebration of Tennessee Archaeology Week. Watch primitive skills craftsmen make arrowheads, spear points and other survival tools. There will be demonstrations of primitive tools such as the bow, arrow, and atlatl throughout the day.
OVTA Watauga River Crossing
Monday, September 25 2:00 pm (approximate time)
Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association have recreated the historic march to King’s Mountain since 1975. On September 25, marchers will cross the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals, just as the Overmountain militia crossed 243 years ago.
Overmountain Muster at Sycamore Shoals
Saturday, September 23 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 24 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join us for a weekend of living history demonstrations at the encampment of the Overmountain militia before the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780. Live some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution!
Bird Walks with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21, & 28 8:00 am
Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.
28th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show
Friday & Saturday, October 6 and 7 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, October 8 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
This three-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display.
Scary Stories at Fort Watauga
Thursday, October 26 7:30 pm
Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at an old fort by the river. But don’t be afraid, Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals isn’t haunted… Or Is It?!?! Join us for an evening of family friendly stories, songs, and tales that are sure to send a shiver down your spine and tickle your funny bone.
Autumn Heritage Celebration
Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and 12
The year may be drawing to a close, but we aren’t going to let it pass without one more festive weekend at Fort Watauga! Events for the two days include……
Colonial Harvest Celebration
Saturday, November 11 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 12 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join the festivities at Fort Watauga as the Washington County Militia gather to celebrate recent victories in the War for Independence and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Enjoy demonstrations of 18th century life and living history presentations.
Fall Fibers Fair
Saturday, November 11 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 12 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fall is the time we plan our winter projects and our handmade holiday gifts! Spend a day visiting our regions finest fiber producers and artists! The day will include workshops, vendors with handmade items for sale, raw fibers, and demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and more!
Winterfest Art Show
Sunday, November 18 – Sunday, December 3
Opening Reception: Sunday, November 19 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Kick off the holidays at Sycamore Shoals! The Watauga Valley Art League exhibition and sale begins with a reception on November 19 with great opportunities for holiday shopping! Artwork from the Watauga Valley Art League will remain on display during regular park hours through December 3.
Christmas at the Carter Mansion
First Weekend in December
Times to be announced
Tennessee’s oldest frame-house takes on a special atmosphere during the holiday season. Step back in time and enjoy learning about the Christmas traditions of Colonial America as you visit the beautiful and historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, decorated with bright greenery for the holidays. Tours are by reservation only and space is limited. Contact the park at regular operating hours for more information. Admission Charge
Throughout the Year
Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill Guided Tours
Open seasonally and by appointment for groups
Sycamore Shoals operates two historic house museums! The John and Landon Carter Mansion, built between 1775 and 1780, is the oldest frame house in Tennessee and boasts intricate woodwork, over mantle paintings, and was home to one of the early founding families of the area. Sabine Hill, built ca. 1818, is the newly restored Taylor family home and is one of the finest examples of wood-framed Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee.
Admission Charge – Please contact the park for tour times and group scheduling.
Gardening Series with Ben Hunter
Sponsored by the Northeast Tennessee Master Gardeners Each session – 9:00 am – noon
Saturday, February 4 – Raised Bed Gardening
Saturday, March 18 – Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, August 5 – Fall Gardening
Saturday, October 14– Get Ready for Spring: Winterizing Your Beds
Gardener extraordinaire, Ben Hunter, will be joining us to share his experiences & techniques for growing the garden of your dreams! Each program meets in the visitors center Gathering Room.
Old Time Music Jam – Led by Art Lang
4th Sunday of each Month 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region each month. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back and enjoy the tunes!
Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
January – December
Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is our 501c3 support group who support the park through the production of Tennessee’s Official Outdoor Drama, Liberty!, our interpretive programs, and with park operations. If you would like to learn more & become a member, please visit www.friendsofsycamoreshoals.org
The following educational groups are a part of the Friends of Sycamore Shoals and welcome your participation!
Northeast Tennessee Master Gardeners
Do you enjoy gardening? The NE TN Master Gardeners, trained via the University of Tennessee Extension service program, volunteer at Sycamore Shoals to help maintain our North American Butterfly Association garden and other historic gardens. Please contact the park if you would like to volunteer to help keep these gardens beautiful for everyone to enjoy – all are welcome!
Sabine Hill Social Society
Focused on the early 19th century era associated with the Taylor family and historic Sabine Hill, this group offers opportunities year-round to learn early 19th century dance, traditional games, along with various social and educational events, workshops, and lectures. Watch our monthly events listings for upcoming activities!
Washington County Militia
This is the host living history organization of Sycamore Shoals which present reenactments and militia musters that truly bring our history to life. The militia invites you to visit them at the park for the many educational events they present throughout the year
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps
The Fife & Drum Corps, a component of the Washington County Militia, performs at historical events, dedications, parades, and more. If you would like to join the Corps, musical experience is welcome but not necessary, just come with a willingness to learn.
Traditional Arts Workshops
January – December Dates and times vary.
Catch this unique opportunity to learn traditional art forms from expert instructors. Pre-registration is required in addition to an instructor and materials fee. Ask for our separate listing!
History at Home
May – August
A creative mix of historical & natural programs presented throughout the summer by our seasonal interpretive staff. Please call for weekly schedules.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park 1651 West Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 37643
Visitors Center Hours: Please call the park at 423-543-5808
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SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC PARK 