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It is the summer of 1776, and the Watauga settlement is ablaze with war!
The public is invited to join hundreds of Colonial, British and Native reenactors as they bring the 18th century to life at the largest Revolutionary War living history event in Tennessee the weekend of May 21-22 at Sycamore Shoals State Park.
Take a step back in time as you visit the encampments and talk with historical interpreters. Shop with the vendors in Sutler’s Row and take a bit of the 18th century home with you. Enjoy programs and demonstrations of 18th century life, and hear the rattle of muskets as battle reenactments are presented each day. Immerse yourself in America’s fight for Independence at the Siege of Fort Watauga!
The 27th Siege of Fort Watauga on May 21 and 22 will relive the days when the first frontier was the land beyond the Blue Ridge. The siege recreates one of the many memorable events that took place at Fort Watauga and Sycamore Shoals during the last quarter of the 18th century. The siege tells the story of a Cherokee attack that took place on settlements along the Nolichucky, Watauga, Doe and Holston rivers during the summer of 1776.
Several Revolutionary War living history units will take part to make the 18th century come to life during the weekend.
Units include the 2nd South Carolina Regiment, a member of the Continental Line; the South Carolina Rangers, Musgrove’s Mill Militia, the 71st Highlanders, and the British Legion. The host unit is the Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, based at Sycamore Shoals.
Period martial music will be provided by The Sons of Liberty and by the Watauga Valley Fife and Drum Corps. The men on the other side of the stockade laying siege to the fort will include Cherokee re-enactors.
The military re-enactors won’t be the only ones taking visitors back in time.
Others will portray many 18th century walks of life, such as back country hunters, farmers, housewives, indentured servants, commoners and gentry. There will also be a Sutler’s Row, featuring several vendors selling 18th century reproduction items for the colonial enthusiast or the primitive decorator.
Events will be held both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free.
The schedule of events is as follows:
SATURDAY, MAY 21
10 a.m. – Militia Muster & Posting of the Colors
10:30 a.m. – Salute to the Women of Watauga by the Sons of the American Revolution 11 a.m. – Chickamauga or Cherokee: Was it a Choice (Mark Ledford ~ Native Camp) 11:30 a.m. “Our Daily Bread” Baking in the Earthen Oven (David Simerly ~ Fort Watauga Bread Oven
12 noon – Cherokee Cooking (Sherry Finchum ~ Native Camp)
p.m.
12:30 p.m. – A Warrior’s Preparations (Malaciah Taylor ~ Southern Indian Department Camp)
1:30 p.m. – Battle Reenactment: “Siege of Fort Watauga – Part 1” & Revolutionary War Tactical Demonstration
2:30 p.m. – Kids Militia Drill – (Talbot’s Meadow)
3 p.m. – Auction – (Visitor Center Gathering Room)
4 p.m. – Event Closed for the Day
SUNDAY, MAY 22
10:30 a.m. – Militia Muster and Inspection (Fort Watauga)
11 a.m. – 18th Century Worship Service (Fort Watauga)
11:30 a.m. – Chickamauga or Cherokee: Was it a Choice? (Mark Ledford ~ Native Camp)
12 noon – Cherokee Cooking (Sherry Finchum ~ Native Camp)
12:30 p.m. – “Our Daily Bread” Baking in the Earthen Oven (David Simerly ~ Fort Watauga Bread Oven)
1:30 p.m. – Battle Reenactment: “Siege of Fort Watauga – Part 2” & Revolutionary War Tactical Demonstration (Please move to the spectator viewing area 15 minutes prior to battle)
2:30 p.m.– A Warrior’s Preparations – (Malaciah Taylor ~ Southern Indian Department Camp)
3 p.m. – Kids Militia Drill (Talbot’s Meadow)
3:30 p.m. – Retiring the Colors (Fort Watauga)
4 p.m. – Event Closed