The Overmountain Muster

Muster of the Overmountain Men brings Revolutionary War to life at
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park!

The year was 1780, and the American Revolution was now in its fifth year. Charleston had fallen to the British, American forces had crumbled at the battle of Camden, and things were looking very bleak for the cause of independence. Then the impossible occurred! Frontiersmen west of the Blue Ridge Mountains met at Sycamore Shoals and began a long journey, gathering an army along the way. At Kings Mountain, they destroyed British forces and turned the tide for ultimate American victory in the war. The route they took from Virginia to South Carolina, is now known as the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.  Come celebrate the gathering of the Overmountain Men, which occurred nearly 250 years ago.
Join us at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 & 21 for “The Overmountain Muster”. Step back in time and re-live the story of the Overmountain Men and their historic gathering at Sycamore Shoals. On Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM the Washington County, NC Militia, Overmountain Victory Trail Association, and an array of living history interpreters will present colonial era demonstrations and activities in and around Fort Watauga. Be immersed in the 18th century as you witness daily aspects of frontier life and learn the crucial role Sycamore Shoals played in the early history of our nation.
Then, at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 25th theOvermountain Victory Trail Association will recreate the historic 1780 river crossing when Colonel William Campbell and 400 mounted militiamen from present day Abingdon, VA crossed the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals to join Colonels Isaac Shelby and John Sevier in response to a threat from British Major Patrick Ferguson. Since 1975 members of the OVTA have recreated this historic occurrence following the same route and timetable as their legendary forebears from Abingdon, VA to Kings Mountain, SC.
While enjoying these events, be sure to visit the award-winning museum and interpretive center, and don’t miss the park’s interpretive film “Sycamore Shoals – Story of the American Spirit”. Also, visit the park’s gift shop to take home a special souvenir or a gift for the history buff or avid reader in your family. This fun filled and action-packed event is sure to entertain and educate all ages. The event is free of charge so bring the entire family and re-live some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution. Witness the 18th century come to life, hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and “Share in the Glorious Cause of Liberty” at The Overmountain Muster. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 West Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more information call (423) 543-5808 or visit https://www.tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals or https://sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com/
Schedule of events.

Saturday, September 20th

10:00 – “The Gathering” – Join members of the Sons of the American Revolution as they commemorate the 245thanniversary of the muster of the Overmountain Men with a wreath laying ceremony and salute. (Amphitheater behind Fort Watauga)
11:30 – Keep Your Powder Dry – Hear the amazing story of frontier gunpowder maker and local heroine Mary Patton. (Fort Watauga)
12:00 – Spain: Ally or Opportunist – In the 18th century, the Watauga settlement was squeezed between the two great empires of England and Spain. Join Alexis Dekeyser to learn more about Spain’s involvement in the American Revolution.(Visitor Center Gathering Place)
12:30 – Tactics & Weaponry of the Overmountain Men at the Battle of Kings Mountain. (Demonstration Field)
1:00 – “Turning the Tide” – Join Steve Ricker, program director for the Overmountain Victory Trail Association to hear the incredible story of the campaign to, and battle of Kings Mountain. (Fort Watauga)
2:00 –  Tactics & Weaponry of the Crown Forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain. (Demonstration Field)
2:30 – The Ulster Scots in Colonial America – Join Aaron Franklin for a glimpse into the story of the Scots Irish and their involvement in the founding of our nation. (Fort Watauga)
3:00 – Auction – Pick up some 18th century reproductions or a nice memento from the event in this lively and fun activity. All proceeds support the educational programs at Sycamore Shoals.
4:00 – Event Closed

Sunday, September 21st

10:00 – Church Service – Gather for a frontier worship service much in the style of our colonial ancestors. (Fort Watauga)
10:30 – Walking in Frontier Footsteps – Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield for a guided walk along the park grounds and trail to hear the story of the Muster of the Overmountain Men. (Picnic Area)
11:30 – Kids Militia Drill – Attention all colonial kids! Fall in for drill and training just like the Frontier Militia. (Fort Watauga)
12:00 – Tactics & Weaponry of the Crown Forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain. (Demonstration Field)
12:30 – Frontier Medicine – Join herbalist Elizabeth Hardy for a glimpse into the medicinal plants used by our Native & European ancestors. (Fort Watauga)
1:00 – Tactics & Weaponry of the Overmountain Men at the Battle of Kings Mountain. (Demonstration Field)
1:30 – The Ulster Scots in Colonial America – Join Aaron Franklin for a glimpse into the story of the Scots Irish and their involvement in the founding of our nation. (Fort Watauga)
2:30 – Keep Your Powder Dry – Hear the amazing story of frontier gunpowder maker and local heroine Mary Patton. (Fort Watauga)
3:00 – Event Closed

Ongoing Demonstrations

Musket Ball Casting, Overmountain Refugees, Flintlock Firearms, Militia Encampment, Loyalist Camp, Natural Dyeing, Hunters Camp, Open Hearth Cooking, Colonial Tavern, 18thCentury Games, and much more.

Thursday, September 25th

2:00 – OVTA Watauga River Crossing – The Overmountain Victory Trail Association will recreate the historic 1780 river crossing when Colonel William Campbell and 400 militiamen from present day Abingdon, VA crossed the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals to join Colonels Isaac Shelby and John Sevier in response to the threat from British Major Patrick Ferguson. (River Trail Crossing Site)

Following the Crossing – Join members of the OVTA as they tell the story of the Campaign to Kings Mountain and the decisive American victory that occurred there on October 7, 1780. (Fort Watauga)