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The 250th anniversary commemoration of the Transylvania Purchase will be held Saturday, March 22, at Sycamore Shoals State Park, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until 4 p.m.

Visitors to the park will experience the largest private land transaction in American history through living history demonstrations, a guest speaker, guided hikes, special exhibits, and more.

The Transylvania Purchase was one of several events that took place at Sycamore Shoals during the years before and during the Revolutionary War. It was the largest private land transaction recorded in the U.S. before the Revolutionary War.

Land speculator Richard Henderson negotiated a treaty with a Cherokee delegation led by Peace Chief Attakullakulla. This marked the birth of the Transylvania Land Company, which aimed to carve out a new 14th colony on the vast grounds of the Trans-Appalachian frontier. Imagine this: Over 20 million acres of stunning landscape were bought in exchange for trade goods and silver worth a whopping 10,000 British pounds sterling.

The land that changed hands included much of what is now known as Kentucky and a generous portion of Middle Tennessee. The effects of this transaction were felt for generations, and now Sycamore Shoals will honor its history in a super fun way.

A notable highlight of the day will be historian Robert Rambo, who will delve into the life of Cherokee Peace Chief Attakullakulla, shedding light on his invaluable contributions.

Adding to the excitement is Steven Y. Caudill, portraying none other than the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. His connection to the Kentucky settlement plays a significant role in understanding our nation’s past, and hearing about it from a living history performer truly adds a layer of realism to the experience.

This event is just one part of a series planned throughout the year, celebrating related historical events connected to the Wilderness Road and Boone Trace. So when you come to the park on March 22, you’re not just attending a single celebration; you’re stepping into a larger narrative that ties together the lives of both Cherokee communities and European settlers in vibrant ways.