Step back in time and celebrate liberty with a special two-day event Independence on the Frontier at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park next weekend.
Members of 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 at the time America declared its independence from England. For those living on the frontier, it was a very tumultuous time.
In the summer of 1776 colonial leaders met in Philadelphia to draft a document that would forever change the world.
Visitors to Fort Watauga 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 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 p.m.
“My favorite part is the reading of the Declaration of Independence,” said Historic Interpreter for the park Chad Bogart. “I think every American should hear that document read every year because it really defines who we are as a nation.”
Bogart said each year he enjoys seeing the number of families who bring children to the event to hear the Declaration read.
“The kids might not be able to understand it all, but I think it’s important that they hear it,” he said.
While there were those living on the frontier who were excited at the prospect of a new nation, not everyone felt that way, Bogart said.
“Here on the frontier, like in the Colonies, people were on both sides,” Bogart said.
To help share the full story of life on the frontier during the war for independence, event at the park will feature a special program by Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Steven Knapp who will present “For King and Revenge: Loyalists in the American Revolution.” This program will focus on the stories of those who battled against American independence.
“It’s giving the perspective of the other side and telling the rest of the story,” Bogart said.
Also new to the event this year will be the “Kids Liberty Lounge” hosted by Melody Daniels. This program will provide lemonade and refreshments to children attending the event while giving them a special presentation all their own.
“While the kids have their refreshments, she’s going to share stories of children during the Revolution and their contributions to the cause,” Bogart said.
Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Corbin Hayslett will also be presenting a program called Colonial Era Music of East Tennessee.
“He can play a whole slew of instruments and he knows not only the history of the instruments but of the songs and how they would have made their way to the frontier as well,” Bogart said. “He is a wonderful musician as well.”
Children attending the festivities this weekend will also get a special treat to take home with them, Bogart said.
“Kay Milsap, one of our members, purchased out of her own pocket little American flags and said she will give one to every child that attends throughout the weekend,” Bogart said. “We are so blessed to have her in our group.
The Independence on the Frontier celebration will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, and from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. 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 a.m. – 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 a.m. – “Fix Bayonets”: Join Colonel Chad 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 a.m. – Colonial Era Music of East Tennessee: Join Corbin Hayslett in the Gathering Place Auditorium for a journey back in time to experience the musical sounds of the early Tennessee frontier.
• Noon – “Echoes of Revolution”: The Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums perform martial and field music of the Revolutionary War.
• 1 p.m. – 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 p.m. – Kids Liberty Lounge: All young people of the settlement are invited to enjoy some lemonade and light refreshments as Melody Daniels shares stories of children in the American Revolution. (Meet just outside the Fort’s East gate)
• 3 p.m. – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the Fort’s Cannon.
• 3:30 p.m. – For King and Revenge: Loyalists in the American Revolution: Join Steven Knapp in the fort for an exploration of those that fought against American independence.
• 4 p.m. – 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 century living history.
Sunday, July 3rd
• 10 a.m. – 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 a.m. – Worship Service: Join us for Sunday Service held inside Fort Watauga.
• 12:30 p.m. – 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 p.m. – Kids Militia: Attention all able bodied kids! Fall in and drill with the Washington Co. Militia.
• 2 p.m. – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18th century artillery as the Militia fires the Fort’s Cannon.
• 3 p.m. – 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.