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42nd Season of Liberty!
June 4, 2021 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
An event every week that begins at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, repeating until June 26, 2021
The 42nd season of Liberty! is starting on Friday, June 4.
The cast of Liberty! the Saga of Sycamore Shoals invites you to join them for their 42nd year of presenting the Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee. Each year, the Fort Watauga amphitheater comes to life with the sights and sounds of the late 18th century on the frontier.
Nationally significant events that helped to shape the future of our nation before, during, and after the American Revolution are presented in an engaging, exciting, and entertaining fashion.
The Story
The story is set along the Watauga River on land historically occupied by Cherokee and early indigenous people before the arrival of explorers and settlers from the British colonies.
The Watauga Association, formed in 1772, was widely recognized as the first continental government that was “free and independent” of the British Crown. It was designed by leaders to provide for law and order and the right of every free man to vote. Later, the area was annexed by North Carolina and became known as the Washington District, named in honor of General George Washington, who was leading the fight for American Independence.
In 1775, The Transylvania Purchase took place along the Watauga “Old Fields” where Judge Richard Henderson and other land speculators purchased 20 million acres of land from the Cherokee. This negotiation sparked a series of Cherokee attacks on the pioneers of the Watauga and surrounding settlements a year later, which included a 3-week attack on Fort Watauga. Cherokee Chief’s Attakullakulla and Oconostota, along with Attakullakulla’s son, Dragging Canoe all play a large role in sharing this event as it relates to Cherokee history.
Liberty! is set in front of a full-scale replica of Fort Watauga, which was used to defend the settlement against attacks from a faction of the Cherokee, led by Dragging Canoe, who opposed the sale. Ultimately, the settlement was successful in staving off the attack and siege of the fort.
Sycamore Shoals also served as the gathering place for the Overmountain Men, who were an essential part of a broader militia that defeated Major Patrick Ferguson and his British force at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. That event is considered a major turning point in the American Revolution.
Liberty! tells the stories of these important days in American history as well as demonstrating the life of pioneers and Cherokee. Moreover, it gives faces to the names we see on many of our street signs and other local area designations.
When & Where
Liberty! runs each weekend in June at the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN. Show dates and times for the 2021 season,
Friday & Saturday, June 4-5; 11-12 7:30 pm
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday – June 17-19; 24-26 7:30 pm
Thursday, June 17 – Veteran and 1st Responder’s Night!
Veteran or 1st Responder and a Guest will be admitted for Free
General admission tickets -Online at www.thelibertydrama.com OR remaining tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the performance until sold out.
Adult – $18.00
Senior-60 & over – $14.00
Students 6 – 17 – $8.00
Children 5 and Under – Free
Veterans and 1st Responders – $9.00
Friends of Sycamore Shoals Member (Present Card at Check-In) – $10.00
The production of Liberty! is supported by Friends of Sycamore Shoals. Please support this vital organization and become a member of Friends of Sycamore Shoals. Help support the Liberty drama and a host of other educational park activities that take place throughout the year. www.friendsofsycamoreshoalsstatepark.wildapricot.org/membership
Liberty! is directed by Melanie Yodkins
Production Manager – Tony Devault
Stage Manager – Kaitlynn Newcomb
For additional information please contact:
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
1651 W. Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
423-543-5808
www.tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals
www.facebook.com/sycamoreshoals
www.sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/LibertyTheSaga/
www.facebook.com/FriendsOfSycamoreShoalsStateHistoricArea
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