This weekend marks the final performances for the 38th annual season of Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals! and the public’s last chance to take in a performance of the state’s official outdoor drama for the year.
The outdoor drama shares the stories of the first settlement in this region and the role its inhabitants played in shaping not only local history, but the history of the nation as well. The museum at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park shares some of the stories of the region, but Liberty! brings those stories and characters to life.
A cast of characters and supporting actors work to give life the history of the regions first settlers and prominent citizens.
The Watauga Association, widely recognized as the first government on this continent that was “free and independent” from British rule, was formed here in 1772. The Watauga Association was designed by the community leaders to provide for law and order and the right of every free man to vote.
Attendees can watch as members of the Association sign the agreement forming the new government.
Also depicted is the Transylvania Purchase which was conducted at the Watauga “Old Fields” in 1775, a purchase which is still considered the largest private real estate transaction in American history. Judge Richard Henderson and other speculators purchased 20 million acres of land from the Cherokee.
However, not all of the Cherokee nation was happy with the deal and tensions eventually erupted during the Summer of 1776.
Liberty! is set in front of the full-scale replica of Fort Watauga, which was used to defend the settlement against attacks from a faction of the Cherokee, led by Chief Dragging Canoe, during July of 1776. Ultimately, the settlement was successful in staving off the attack and siege of the fort.
These grounds also served as the gathering place for the Overmountain Men, who were an essential part of a broader militia that defeated Major Patrick Ferguson and his British force at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. That event is often noted as a major turning point for the American Revolution.
The drama covers these critical points in history as well as demonstrating what life was like for the pioneers in a frontier settlement.
Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals! features professional lighting and sound, a well-maintained amphitheater, an all-volunteer cast of nearly 100 local actors in speaking and extra roles, and even some pyrotechnics.
The final performances of Liberty will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
General admission tickets range from Free for children under 5, to $5 for students 6 to 17 years, $10 for seniors 55 and up, and $12 for adults.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheLibertyDrama.com or at the door.
A Dinner Theater option is also available, where for $25 (with seniors/student discounts available), attendees can enjoy an all-you-can-eat, sit-down meal cooked by a prominent local chef, and be regaled with tales of the site prior to the show. The price of the ticket includes your meal and admission to the show. The Dinner Theater requires advanced reservations made at the website listed above, or by calling 423-543-5808.