Battle of Island Flats 250th Anniversary Commemoration

Join us for a special 250th anniversary commemoration interpreting the Battle of Island Flats
— the first major battle of the Cherokee War of 1776 and one of the opening conflicts of the
American Revolution on the southern frontier — on Saturday, July 25, from 10 am to 3 pm
and Sunday, July 26, from noon to 3 pm at Exchange Place Living History Farm, 4812
Orebank Road in Kingsport.
Fought near the Long Island of the Holston in July 1776, the battle saw frontier settlers and
Virginia militia from Virginia’s New River Valley clash with Cherokee warriors led by Dragging
Canoe during a coordinated campaign against the expanding settlements along the Holston,
Watauga, and Nolichucky rivers. The battle marked a major turning point in the struggle for
control of the southern Appalachian frontier and helped open Southwest Virginia, upper East
Tennessee, and eventually Kentucky to expanding settlement.
At this two-day commemoration Cherokee interpreters from the Appalachian region and
Virginia militia living historians will bring the frontier world of the 18th-century to life near the
very landscape where these dramatic events unfolded. Visitors will experience:
* Living History Encampments – Explore authentic frontier camps and learn about daily life on
the Tennessee frontier during the Revolutionary era
* Cherokee Cultural Interpretations – Learn about Cherokee history, lifeways, and the broader
Cherokee War of 1776. Displays/activities will include regional Native American artifacts with
the tribal archaeologist on hand to answer questions, Cherokee leather crafts and Native
American music played on a Cherokee flute throughout the day
*Historic Foodways – Discover the foods, cooking methods, and survival skills used by
frontier settlers and Cherokee communities.
*Battlefield Interpretation – Learn how the battle unfolded through maps, historical analysis
and interpretation of the Island Flats battlefield.
*Historic Weapons Demonstrations – See period long rifles, trade guns and other historic
firearms with scheduled firing demonstrations and a display of war clubs with a weapons
demonstration by the Cherokee War Chief.
*Primary Sources & Historical Documents – View reproductions of original Revolutionary-era
documents relating to the battle and its aftermath.
On Sunday, July 26, at 1 pm, Cherokee Medicine Man Lee “Ewani” Eames will give a
presentation on “The Healing Herbs of the Appalachian Mountains.” He will bring with him
some of the herbs that our ancestors have used for centuries throughout east Tennessee and
surrounding areas, that have helped to heal and sustain both European and Native American
descendants alike.
Sponsored by Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes and Exchange Place, this free event is part of
Fun Fest. No ticket or registration is required. For more information and updates, contact
713–825–9131 or wooldrickfritts@gmail.com or see
https://www.facebook.com/events/exchange-place-kingsport-tn-1850s-farm/battle-of-island-
flats-commemoration/1438188830844429/