Weekend full of events on tap for Sycamore Shoals State Park
Published 9:55 am Friday, August 26, 2016
Multiple events are on tap this weekend at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park beginning today and running through Sunday.
This weekend at the park will feature the annual Knap In at Fort Watauga as well as the conclusion of this year’s History At Home program series.
Today at 10:30 a.m., Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Steven Knapp will present a program titled Evolution of the Firelock. This program, which will be held on the back porch of the visitor’s center, will present the history of the matchlock, flintlock and percussion muskets and explore the progression of firearms from the 16th through the 19th centuries. Knapp will also discuss the various tactics that surrounded these particular weapons.
This afternoon, the historic Carter Mansion will be opened for tour at 2 p.m. The Mansion was built in 1775 by Watauga Settlement leaders John and Landon Carter and is the oldest frame house in Tennessee. Admission to the tour is $5 (cash only) for adults and free for those age 17 and under.
On Saturday, the 19th Annual Knap In at Fort Watauga will kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.
This event works to preserve and share this traditional frontier survival skill. Join flintknappers from across the region for a weekend long demonstration.
The art of flintknapping is the process of making stone tools, such as arrowheads, spear points, and other survival tools using traditional methods. This skill has been passed down through generations.
Also on Saturday, the park will play host to an 18th Century Loyalist Encampment from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
During the American Revolution, not all of the settlers on the frontier sought independence. Some remained loyal to the British crown.
During the encampment, Knapp will present park visitors with the story of those on the frontier who remained loyal to England during the Revolution.
On Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., the Carter Mansion will once again be opened for tour.
The weekend concludes on Sunday with the second day of the annual Knap In event, which will once again run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
For more information about the Knap In, the park or any of the other events, contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park at 423-543-5808.