Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The public is invited to travel back in time and experience life on the early American frontier at Rocky Mount State Historic Site’s Grand Re-opening & Early Frontier Days Festival, taking place March 29-30. This two-day event will bring history to life with storytelling, live demonstrations and hands-on activities, exploring the daily lives of Overmountain Men, frontier families and early settlers.

Partnering with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association (OVTA), Rocky Mount will showcase historical reenactments, militia drills and interactive programs that highlight the site’s vital role in Tennessee and American history.

The historic site will come alive with costumed interpreters, working artisans and reenactors who recreate daily life in the late 18th century. Whether you’re watching a blacksmith at work, trying your hand at tomahawk throwing or meeting farm animals, there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

“We’re thrilled to launch our 2025 season with the brand-new Early Frontier Days Festival,” said Cody Boring, executive director. “As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, this event shines a light on the people and stories that helped shape our nation. It’s an opportunity for visitors to step into history, experience frontier life firsthand and connect with the past in a meaningful way.”

The opening ceremony will be Saturday at 10 a.m. with militia drills and an OVTA presentation. Tennessee Starts Here will be held both Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and will focus on Rocky Mount’s role in America’s founding.

The Overmountain Men & the Battle of Kings Mountain will be featured in the OVTA storytelling of a pivotal Revolutionary War battle Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Other events include storytelling by the fire; tours of the historic house; blacksmithing and weaving; militia encampment and mock enlistment; fur trade and survival skills; and Sunday will feature a frontier worship service—pioneer tales of survival and bravery under the night sky.

Event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and tickets are $10 for one day and $15 for two days for adults 18-64, and $9 for seniors 65 and older for one day and $15 for two days. Tickets for children 5 to 17 are $7 for one day and $10 for two days, and children under 5 will be admitted free.