Watauga Association 250th Anniversary Celebration

The Watauga Association
A 250 th Anniversary Celebration
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
Saturday, April 9 th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

The United States of America may have been born on July 4 th , 1776, but the idea of American
self-government began a full four years earlier in 1772, and it happened in what is now
Elizabethton, Tennessee. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park will celebrate the birth of
American democracy with a special event on Saturday, April 9 th commemorating the 250 th
anniversary of the Watauga Association.

In 1763 a royal proclamation had forbidden settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. As
British rule became increasingly oppressive in the colonies, people began to move west across
the Blue Ridge. Being outside the authority of the 13 colonies, the settlers in the Watauga River
valley saw the need for law and order and joined together to create a compact to “govern and
direct for the common good of the people”. In the spring of 1772, meeting under a large
sycamore tree by the Doe River in what is now Elizabethton, TN, settlement leaders drafted
articles of governance for the Watauga Association. They negotiated a land lease, and later a
purchase, with the Cherokee, formed a court and a militia, and organized the defense of the
settlement in 1776.

The Watauga Association existed as a body of democratic self-rule for 5 years before being
annexed by North Carolina in 1777 as Washington County. Lord Dunmore, the Royal Governor
of Virginia, said, “It at least sets a dangerous example to the people of America of forming
governments distinct from and independent of His Majesty’s authority.” In later years historians
would call the Watauga Association the first free and independent community on the continent. It
proved that Americans could govern themselves, and four years later the 13 colonies would
declare independence from Great Britain.

If you would like to join in the celebration of this historic occasion, come to Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN on Saturday, April 9 th . The commemoration will begin at
10:00 am in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater with a special ceremony which will include a
wreath laying, a proclamation by the Carter County Commission, and a presentation of the
Watauga Association scene from Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, Liberty! The Saga of
Sycamore Shoals.

Following the morning program guests are invited to visit the many displays and demonstration
of 18 th century life that will be presented throughout the day in and around the replica of Fort
Watauga. Presentations will include 18 th century weaponry, uniforms and clothing of the period,
soldier’s equipment, quill pen writing, colonial era music, women’s roles on the frontier,
flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations, militia drill, and much more. The event will close at
4:00 pm.

Also, as part of the celebration, commemorative tours of the historic Carter Mansion will be
offered. Built in 1775, the Carter Mansion is Tennessee’s oldest frame-house and was built by
Col. John Carter who served as the Chairman of the Watauga Association. Enjoy the detailed
18th century interiors, hand carved moldings, and over-mantle paintings as you visit this elegant
frontier home. Tours will be at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, & 2:30 pm. Admission is free, but you must
register at www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals. The John and Landon Carter
Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

The Watauga Association 250 th is a chance to bring the entire family and immerse yourself in one
of Tennessee’s most historic sites. Admission is free so take this rare opportunity to be a part of
the anniversary of one of the most historic events in our nation’s history. Walk in the path of
patriots, “share in the glorious cause of liberty”, and see how you can make history at Sycamore
Shoals State Historic Park!

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 West Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643.
For more information log on to www.tnstateparks.com, visit us on Facebook, or call 423-543-
5808.