Saturday and Sunday, July 2nd & 3rd
Step back in time 240 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 Park, 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.
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, July 2nd and 10:00 until 3:00 on Sunday, July 3rd Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more information about this event please contact the park at 423-543-5808.
Independence on the Frontier: Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 2nd
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 – “Fix Bayonets”: Join Colonel Bogart in the fort 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.
11:30 – Colonia Era Music of East Tennessee: Join Corbin in the Gathering Place Auditorium for a journey back in time to experience the musical sounds of the early Tennessee frontier.
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 – Carter Mansion Tour: Built by Watauga settlement leaders, John and Landon Carter in 1775, a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house is a must! Adults – $5.00 (Cash only please) 17 and under free. Directions are available in the visitors center.
2:00 – Kids Liberty Lounge: All young people of the settlement are invited to enjoy some lemonade and light refreshments as Mrs. Daniels shares stories of children in theAmerican Revolution. (Meet just outside the Fort’s East gate)
3:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the Fort’s Cannon.
3:30 – For King and Revenge: Loyalists in the American Revolution: Join Steven in the fort for an exploration of those that fought against American independence.
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, July 3rd
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.
12:30 – For King and Revenge: Loyalists in the American Revolution: Join Steven in the fort for an exploration of those that fought against American independence.
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.
2:00 – Carter Mansion Tour: Built by Watauga settlement leaders, John and Landon Carter in 1775, a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house is a must! Adults – $5.00 (Cash only please) 17 and under free. Directions are available in the visitors center.
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.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
1651 W. Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Historic House Museums:
The John and Landon Carter Mansion
Sabine Hill
423-543-5808
www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals
SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC PARK 