Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park: Independence on the Frontier

Independence on the Frontier
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Saturday, July 22 nd

Step back in time 247 years to a colorful revolutionary world and witness life on the
colonial frontier during a very tumultuous time. In the summer of 1776 colonial leaders met in
Philadelphia to draft a document that would forever change the world. By today’s standards
information traveled slowly in the 18 th century. As our guests to Fort Watauga, you too can be
part of the excitement as news of American independence finally reaches the colonial frontier.
What did the colonists think about a new nation? Walk among historical characters and hear their
varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future.

The celebration takes place on Saturday, July 22 nd as members of the Washington County
Regiment of North Carolina Militia, host living history organization at Sycamore Shoals State
Historic Park, will be garrisoned at Fort Watauga. The militia muster will include a myriad of
activities allowing guests the opportunity to step back in time and experience daily life on the
colonial frontier in 1776. The highlight of the day will be a special reading of the Declaration of
Independence given inside Fort Watauga at 1:00 in the afternoon. Ongoing activities will include
colonial games, Revolutionary War soldiers display, life at Fort Watauga, and much more. Also,
don’t forget to visit our award-winning museum and shop in our book and gift store while you’re
enjoying the day.

Extend your Independence celebrations and bring the entire family out for a day full of
history, patriotism, education, and family fun. Admission is Free, and the event will run from
10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 22 nd . Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at
1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more information about Sycamore Shoals please
contact the park at 423-543-5808 or log on to these websites: www.sycamoreshoalstn.org or
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals.

Schedule of Events

10:00 – Event Opens
10:30 – Posting the Colors: Start the day off with a bang as the militia falls in for inspection
and raises the flag.
11:00 – Colonial Militia Demonstration: Members of the Washington Co. Regiment will give a
demonstration of flintlock weaponry and 18th century battlefield tactics.
11:30 – 18 th Century Firearms: Join Seasonal Interpreter Slade Nakoff for a closer look at the
types of firearms used during America’s War for Independence.
12:00 – Independence Day Through Time: From Declaration readings and cannon fire to
parades and concerts, join Seasonal Interpreter Andrea Price as she shares how the celebration of
Independence Day has changed over the last 247 years.
12:30 – Kids Militia Drill: Attention all kids of the settlement! Fall in with Ranger Taylor for
drill and training for the defense of the settlement.
1:00 – Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Join the Watauga settlers as the document
declaring our separation from Great Britain finally arrives on the frontier and is read publicly
inside Fort Watauga.
2:00 – Bayonet Competition: Witness some friendly rivalry between the gentlemen of the
militia as they hone their skill with this 18 th century weapon.
2:30 – Ladies’ Skillet Toss: The ladies of the settlement gather to test their skills of strength and
accuracy. A spectacle not to be missed!
3:00 – Flags in Colonial America: Meet Museum Curator Chad Bogart in the visitors center to
learn about various flags used in America throughout the 18 th century and take a closer look at
the history of our nation’s most recognized symbol.
4:00 – Event Closed

Schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to inclement weather.