Sycamore Shoals Park schedules events to commemorate Overmountain Men’s gathering
Published 5:24 pm Friday, September 4, 2020
- Sycamore Shoals State Park will commemorate the gathering of the Overmountain Men with events scheduled each weekend during September.
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A number of special events are planned during the month of September at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in commemoration of the historic Overmountain Men’s March which occurred in 1780.
Each Saturday in September, the park’s interpretive staff will present a variety of living history demonstrations, displays, and presentations on various aspects of life in the 18th century frontier.
The Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution will commemorate the 240th “Gathering at Sycamore Shoals” Saturday, Sept. 12, with their own gathering at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.
The first gathering took place during the American Revolution when the Overmountain Men came together to march to King’s Mountain and defeat Loyalist forces under Col. Patrick Ferguson.
The program will be held in the amphitheater located behind Fort Watauga.
Then, Friday, Sept. 25, the Overmountain Militia will feature Muster Candlelight Tours, every 15 minutes beginning at 7 p.m. and continuing until 8:30 p.m. There is a maximum of 12 people per tour and the cost is $10 for adults, and $5 for youth, ages 7 to 17. Children six and under will be admitted free.
Pre-registration is required.
The year is 1780 and America’s War for Independence is in its fifth year. British Major Patrick Ferguson has threatened to destroy the frontier settlements. In response, the Overmountain Men have gathered at Sycamore Shoals and are forming a frontier army to search out Ferguson and his loyalist force.
Those participating in the tours will experience the sights, sounds, and emotions of the 18th century as they are guided through the historic encampment by lantern light. Meet legendary figures such as Col. John Sevier, Mary Patton, Rev. Samuel Doak, and others as they tell the dramatic story of this historic gathering which led to one of the most decisive victories of the Revolution!
The program begins at the park visitor center. Each tour lasts approximately one hour. Please wear appropriate footwear as this is a walking tour. The route is approximately one-fourth mile.
Also, an Overmountain Muster Living History Weekend is planned at the park Sept. 26 and 27 when historical interpreters in and around Fort Watauga will demonstrate various aspects of 18th Century frontier lice. Visitors can take a step back in time and witness life as it was over two centuries ago. Programs will begin both days at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
In commemoration of the OVT Re-enactment, a National Public Lands Day Hike is planned Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required and there is no charge. Museum Curatorial Assistant Chad Bogart will lead a hike along the banks of the historic and beautiful Watauga Live and will share about the Overmountain Men, their historic gathering at Sycamore Shoals, the campaign to King’s Mountain, and the decisive victory that turned the tide of the American Revolution.
