Sycamore Shoals State Park, Autumn Heritage Celebration

Autumn is in full swing. As both the temperature and the leaves continue to fall, we begin to
think of the many holiday festivities that wait in the coming days. Over two hundred years ago it
was quite the same for the early frontier settlers. On Saturday, November 11 from 10:00 to 4:00
and Sunday, November 12 from 10:00 to 3:00 Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area will become
the scene of a Frontier Harvest Celebration as we enjoy a time of friendship, thanksgiving, and
recognition of our patriot ancestors.
In Colonial America, before Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday, each colony or
community observed days of thanksgiving usually after the harvest had been brought in or after a
significant military victory. Join the Washington County Militia, host living history organization
at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, for their monthly militia muster and a colonial “Harvest
Home” as they celebrate the Overmountain Men’s victory at the battle of Kings Mountain!
Activities throughout the weekend will include programs and demonstrations of 18th century
frontier life including open hearth cooking, flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations, natural
dyeing, music, Revolutionary War era battle tactics, and much more. The weekend will also
include a special Veterans Day program on Saturday, November 11th to honor the combatants at
the Battle of Kings Mountain and our current veterans and armed service members.
Also, join members of the Overmountain Weavers Guild as they present the Fall Fibers Fair
inside the park visitors center throughout the weekend. Visit with local spinners, weavers, and
fiber artists to learn more about wool, flax, and other fiber arts. Also do some early Christmas
shopping with fiber arts vendors who will be set up throughout the weekend as well.
This is a perfect opportunity for the entire family to visit one of Tennessee’s finest state parks
and enjoy a day immersed in history and fun. Admission is free so don’t miss this unique event
showcasing Tennessee’s rich heritage. During your time at the park be sure to experience the
interpretive exhibits as well as our book and gift shop to make your visit complete. Sycamore
Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For
additional information about this and other exciting events at the park please call 423-543-5808
or visit us on the web at www.sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com and
tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals. We look forward to seeing you at Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Park, where you too can “Share in the glorious cause of Liberty”!

Colonial Harvest Celebration & Militia Muster
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(All programs are held inside Fort Watauga unless otherwise noted)

Saturday, November 11th
10:00 – Event Opens
11:00 – Raising the Colors & Salute to Veterans: Join us for a special ceremony as we honor the
patriots who fought at the battle of Kings Mountain and salute our present-day veterans and
service members.
12:00 – Fifes & Drums of the Revolution: Join members of the Watauga Valley Fife & Drum
Corps and hear the musical side of the War for American Independence along with a salute to
local musicians in the 18 th century.
1:00 – Skirmish on the Watauga: Witness battle tactics of the Revolutionary War as American
patriot militia are pitted against British soldiers and loyalists. (Field adjacent to Ft. Watauga)
2:00 to 4:00 – Historical Demonstrations: Take the opportunity to visit with our living history
interpreters to learn more about life on the 18 th century frontier.
Sunday, November 12th
10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors
11:00 – Worship Service: All are welcome for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of
Fort Watauga.
12:00 – Historical Demonstrations: Take the opportunity to visit with our living history
interpreters to learn more about life on the 18 th century frontier.
1:00 – Skirmish on the Watauga: Witness battle tactics of the Revolutionary War as American
Patriot militia are pitted against British soldiers and Loyalists. (Field adjacent to Ft. Watauga)
2:00 – Irish Dancing on the Colonial Frontier: Many frontier settlers were of Scots Irish
heritage. Enjoy the music and dance that were among many traditions these early pioneers
brought from the old world.
3:00 – Event End