Historical lessons abound in Carter County… A classroom can easily expand beyond four walls of schools

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders One of the biggest events at Sycamore Shoals State Park is the annual production of Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals was canceled this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic so the park would be “keeping with CDC CoVid Guidelines” according to the park's website. Liberty is “ Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain.” The park is planning for its return next summer for its 42nd year.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders The most well known historical site in all of Carter County is Sycamore Shoals State Park and Fort Watauga that sits on it. It is a recreation of the fort that was first built after Richard Henderson and Daniel Boone negotiated a treaty with the Cherokee Indians in 1775. It is also the site of the first constitutional government west of the Appalachian Mountains and is the “germ-cell of what would become the state of Tennessee. The park is open year-round with many different historical events recreated throughout the year. There is no charge to visit the site, though some of the activities many charge a small entrances fee.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders The Dr. Daniel Schumaier residence is the Rubin Brooks Farmstead a home that was built in ca. 1820 and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The house is located at 1548 Blue Springs Road and everyone needs to be mindful that this is a private residence, the exterior is visible any time, but please be respectful of private property. Tours of the interior are by appointment only. Please call 423-928-5771 ahead to set up a tour of the location and remember local health policies may affect hours and access.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders The living and dining room is just inside the front door on the first floor of the Stover House.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders A large stack of firewood is ready for future encampments at Sycamore Shoals State Park.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders The second best known historical site in the county is the Carter Mansion. The mansion is located on the East Side of Elizabethton at 1031 Broad Street. The John and Landon Carter Mansion, built between 1775 and 1780, is the oldest frame house in Tennessee and boasts intricate woodwork, over mantle paintings, and was home to one of the early founding families of the area. Like Sabine Hill, the Mansion is managed by Sycamore Shoals State Park. A number of different events are held each year most notable is Christmas at the Carter Mansion which allows you to spend a candlelight evening in the home, decorated with bright greenery for the holidays. Enjoy music, refreshments, and historic interpreters acting out scenes from an 18th century Christmas. The Christmas celebration is by reservation only and space is limited. Contact the park at regular operating hours for more information on this event and to tour the mansion.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Pictured are the original owners of the house Mary Johnson Stover and Daniel Stover.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Probably the least known historical site in Carter County is this site. This is the Daniel Stover house. This is the house where the 17th President of the United States Andrew Johnson died while visiting his daughter Mary Johnson Stover. He had a stroke in her house and passed on July 31, 1875. After Johnson died there the house suffered a series of calamities that destroyed more than half of it, but not the part where Johnson passed in. Over the years the house has been sold several times to private owners who wanted to preserve it. They were able to buy it cheaply because no one cared about it. This not only included the Johnson family but also the federal government. In 2004 the home was sold again, this time to Johnson City audiologist Dr. Daniel Schumaier.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders The furniture inside the house is not the Stover’s or Johnson’s but it is from the same time period. Dr. Daniel Schumaier did careful research about its placement in the house including the location of Johnson’s deathbed. There is a portrait of President Johnson above the mantel over the fireplace in the bedroom on the second floor.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Just one of the many buildings that can be found at Sycamore Shoals State Park.

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StarPhoto/Larry N. Souders Summertime brings many different types of flowers, and one of the most popular is the Sunflower. Whether you find an entire field of them or a single one, they always seem to bring a smile to your face.