On Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will host nearly 200 living history re-enactors for the annual Siege of Fort Watauga. Colonial, British, and Native re-enactors will converge at the re-created Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals to relive the days when America’s first frontier was the land beyond the blue ridge.

The Siege of Fort Watauga is a live retelling of the Cherokee attack brought on the settlers of the Watauga valley in the summer of 1776. At Sycamore Shoals, Fort Watauga offered protection to nearly 200 settlers during a two-week siege led by Cherokee War Chief, Old Abram, and 300 warriors.

Sycamore Shoals will once again be the scene of war during the Siege of Fort Watauga. The event lasts from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 20th and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 21st. Step back in time as you visit the fort, militia camps, British encampment, and Native camp. Be immersed in 18th century frontier life as you witness daily aspects of colonial culture. See the clash of two cultures as the attack on fort Watauga is recreated both days at 1:00 pm. Also, attend our auction of 18th century reproductions on Saturday.

Also during the event, take advantage of colonial merchants selling period wares in “Sutler’s Row”. There will be several vendors offering a myriad of 18th century reproduction items for the colonial enthusiast or the primitive decorator. Vendors this year include “Johnson & Moffet” specializing in hand crafted wooden items and herbal remedies, Trader Bob offering tanned animal pelts and hides, Ft. Vause Outfitters specializing in finished leather goods, and several other vendors offering everything from 18th century reproduction clothing, weaponry, and original antiques, to replica housewares and military accouterments.

Several Revolutionary War living history units will be in attendance and will make the 18th century come to life during the weekend. Units include the 1st Maryland based in Hendersonville, NC, Musgrove’s Mill Militia and the South Carolina Rangers based in upstate South Carolina, and two British units; the 42nd Light Infantry and the 71st Highland Regiment. The host unit is the Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia based at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Numerous individuals also participate in the event portraying many 18th century walks of life including Cherokee Natives, Backcountry Hunters, Farmers, Housewives, Indentured Servants, Commoners and Gentry.

For more information on this and other exciting events at Sycamore Shoals please contact the park at 423-543-5808 or visit the park’s website at www.sycamoreshoalstn.org. Bring the entire family and see how your ancestors played a crucial role in our region’s history and in the formation of our nation. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see the 18th century come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. This event is sponsored by The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia and The Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.

For more information contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park at 423-543-5808.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, May 20

10:00 – Raising the Colors (Fort Watauga)

10:30 – Ulster Scots in America (Visitors Center “Gathering Place”)

11:00 – Colonial Games with Ms. Kay (Fort Watauga)

11:00 – Frontier Scouting: Tracking Humans in the Wilderness

11:30 – Kids Militia Drill (Talbot’s Meadow – in front of Fort Watauga)

12:00 – “Over the Hills and Far Away”: A Look at the History of Frontier Music: (Fort Watauga)

1:00 – Battle Reenactment: “Siege of Fort Watauga – Part 1.” – All visitors must move behind the viewing line 15 minutes prior to battle start time.          

1:30 – Field Musick: Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums (Talbot’s Meadow – in front of the fort)

2:00 – Kids Liberty Lounge: Storytelling with Ms. Melodie (Fort Watauga)

2:30 – Salt Making on the Frontier: Mr. Jim Bordwine (Fort Watauga)

3:00 – Auction (Visitors Center Gathering Place)

4:00 – Event Closed. Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of living history.

Sunday,  May 21

10:00 – Event Opens.

10:30 – Militia Muster and Inspection (Fort Watauga)

11:00 – Worship Service (Fort Watauga)

11:30 – Making an Oil Cloth: Sgt. David Simerly (Fort Watauga)

12:00 – Colonial Games (Fort Watauga)

1:00 – Battle Reenactment: “Siege of Fort Watauga – Part 2.” – All visitors must move behind the viewing line 15 minutes prior to battle start time.

1:30 – Field Musick: Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums (Talbot’s Meadow – in front of the Fort)

2:00 – Salt Making on the Frontier : Mr. Jim Bordwine (Fort Watauga)

2:30 – “Every Able Bodied Man”: Militia Drill & Firearms Demonstration (Talbot’s Meadow – in front of Fort Watauga)

3:00 – Retiring the Colors (Fort Watauga)