OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY TRAIL MARCH, SEPT.25-27

To those who lived in the Eastern Appalachians in the last decades of the 1700’s, the Revolutionary War was a distant drumbeat being fought and stalemated somewhere up north. For these people, it was an echo in the mountains that surrounded their hard scrabble lives. For the most part, though there were others, these early settlers on the frontier were not English, per se,  but came from the large Irish territory, the Ulster Plantation. These Scot-Irish whose ancestors where already displaced once, ignored the Royal Proclamation where George III promised the indigenous peoples that there would be no British subjects settling permanently west of the  Alleghenies and dug out a tenuous  life in the wilderness and lived as they wished.

The call of war sounded closer when the British decided to end the stalemate , invade the Southern colonies thus splitting the colonies and the resistance with the hope of ending the war. They banked on loyalists fighting along side the British soldiers. What they didn’t bank on was the ragtag group, these “mongrels”, “barbarians” , these “Backwater Men” as Major Patrick Furgeson  disparagingly called them, who sometimes appeared in the low countries, who fought like devils with their strange Indian cries, who could fell a deer at 200 yards, who harbored rebels and their families in the depths of the mountains and lived to fight another day. The sound of war was made crashingly real when Furgeson,commissioned by Cornwallis to subdue the rebels on his western flank,  out of frustration, threatened the leaders of this group by saying  If the Rebels “did not desist from their opposition to the British arms,” he would “march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders and lay their country waste with fire and sword.”  This enraged the leaders of these very independent people who mustered over a thousand men and set off on a 330 mile journey in a nine day march which brought defeat to the Tories and death to Furgeson. These men  set off ,not to fight for a nation but to defend their cabins and farms and the mountain life they valued.

Why they fought! (Timothy L. Overman and son)

Every year in September, The Washington County Regiment , in conjunction with the OVTA (Overmountain Victory Trail Association) , holds its commemoration of the Overmountain Men’s gathering at Sycamore Shoals. This year it was held on September 25 through 27th. It threatened rain all weekend, so much so that the school day scheduled for Friday was cancelled. The day turned out sunny, however and the historic site hosted the Tennessee State Guard who were on maneuvers at the park. I didn’t stop for a head count but I bet there was a hundred  if there was one, and It was really cool to see them mass together, so erect and so serious. The Watauga Valley Fife and Drum leading the way, the Militia, distaff members and the whole company of Guard participated in crossing the Watauga as the Overmountain Men did 235 years ago. Prior to the crossing, Steve Ricker told the story of the battle of Kings Mountain to a rapt audience and the Reverend Doak, played by George Cobb, gave that rousing sermon which rededicated the men and brought the men’s determination to a fever pitch.

Steve Ricker telling the story to a captivated audience.

Interesting perspective of the crossing with Superintendent of the National parks in the south, John Slaughter, in the foreground.

The militia, members of the OVTA and the Tennessee National Guard crossing the river

It speaks for itself

After the crossing the Overmountain Men , followed by Representatives of the First Tennessee Regiment (War of 1812) and then the whole contingent of the Tennessee State Guard assembled in the ampitheater for a short program. It brought home that there has been a continuum of volunteer service protecting communities here and wherever they are needed for the last 235 years and that these last are the inheritors of a grand tradition. One member of the Guard  sang the most beautiful rendition of the national anthem I’ve ever heard and there were speeches. Then three guardsmen were singled out for recognition for excellence.

Scott Smith who lives in Church Hill, TN, was one of the three who received an award of excellence.

The Guard, the OVTA and the National Park Service all had display stations at the visitors’ center and they stayed all weekend, providing the public with information and answering questions.

Saturday was another one of those days, threatening rain which never came. There was good traffic throughout the weekend where people came and saw various displays of 18th century living. one of the more interesting ones , I though, was Ken and Retha Reece’s display of trekking equipment and how one made pemmicin to take on trips. There were militia drills throughout the day and the crowd pleasing cannon demonstration in the latter part of the afternoon.

Fine tradition of service over time

After the public left for the day, many of the members went to the burial site of Mary Patton who provided the excellent black powder for the Overmountain Men. She was remembered in a moving ceremony culimnating in a military salute and the pouring of black powder on her grave.

Sunday was less fast paced and more relaxed. Under cloudy skies, George Cobb preached the sermon explaining the references to the sword of Gideon and Macedonia. The park was lightly attended which was just as well as the militia got together for the first time, and actually was able to socialize.

My breakfast buddies and I having biscuits and apple butter or molasses Sunday morning.

I think the members were gathering their reserves to see the changing of officers in the afternoon. At 3 :30, Colonel Bob McCroskey stepped down as Colonel of the Militia and passed the baton to now Colonel Chadwick Bogart. It was very moving to hear Bob enumerate the accomplishments of the regiment over his six-year tenure, listen to his reasons for stepping down and read Chad’s commission to him and all assembled. Chad had tears in his eyes and he accepted the commission and praised Bob for his service, His first command , though, was to the distaff members as he bellowed ” you WILL Wear modesty cloths at ALL TIMES”. The verdict? Yep, he has what it takes as every woman looked down at her chest to see that her cloth was put on correctly.

It was a busy weekend, full of fun and emotion as the Washington Co. Regiment of North Carolina Militia, the OVTA and the TN State Guard met together to commemorate one of the most important events in the Up Country of North Carolina.

Pam Eddy and Lisa Bennett pouring black powder of Mary Patton’s grave

Salute at Mary Patton’s grave

Colonel McCroskey presenting the new colonel with his commission

Colonel Bogart accepting his commission, praising the militia and the willingness of its members to do whatever it takes to further the goals of the historic site and do it with willingness and humor

George Cobb explaining to Pam Eddy and myself the reference about Macedonia in Acts. The Bible in my hands is  the New Testament crafted by James Moore.

The passing of the baton.

Colonel McCroskey explaining to the crowd that he felt the Militia needed a constant presence from a Militia leader and that his health prevented him from being with the group especially in inclement conditions.

Venture Crew 1776 News and Notices Page

There are several members who are very active in the Boy Scouts and Sycamore Shoals has its own Venture Crew. For those of you unfamiliar with this group it is

” a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 years of age OR 13 years of age and have completed the eighth grade and under 21 years of age. Venturing’s purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. ”

I’ve added a page under the Militia Banner just for notices and news for the Venture Crew. Our young people are a very active and wonderful group and it’s a pleasure to be a part of them as a sponsor. God bless!

MAJOR BOGART SAYS: ALL CALL FOR MUSEUM MANNEQUINS OUTFITS (Dressing for dummies :o)

The Fair Seamstress, John Bowles, 1764

To the Washington Co. Militia,

 

I met with Jennifer today and we discussed the mannequins that will be in our new museum. There are eight total and are as follows…

 

1. Longhunter

2. Pre-contact Native Woman hoeing a plot of corn, beans, and squash

3. Dragging Canoe

4. Cherokee warrior setting fire to the fort wall

5. Anne Robertson hoisting a bucket to put out the fire

6. Fort Defender

7. Overmountain Rifleman

8. Overmountain Officer

 

In an effort to make sure that the mannequins are dressed and equiped in a period correct manner I am asking a favor in the way of donations of clothing pieces and accouterments. If you are willing to donate an item or items please let me know by next Friday, August 10. The exhibits company has contracted with Steve Ricker to dress and accouter the Native American so they are well taken care of. It is the white/settler figures I am concerned about. If you are interested please let me know ASAP and I will talk with you about what we are looking for.

 

Take Care,

 

Major Bogart

200th Anniversary of the Start of the War of 1812 Celebrated at Fort Watauga Saturday, June 16

War Again!

Two hundred years ago today , the Congress of the United States declared war on Great Britain and intitiated the War of 1812. While it’s not considered as a forgotten war like Korea, it’s one that served as a footnote until this year when more and more reenactment groups are amping up their repetoire to include this time period. The Washington Country Regiment known as the 1st Regiment of the East Tennessee Militia during this time period has good reason for including this time period as a permanent feature of the  group. Sabine Hill, built around 1818 ,  is included as part of the historical site and according to Jennifer, is one of the finest original Federalist style building still in existence  in the country.

Members of the 1st Regiment met together on Saturday, June 16th, to commemorate the event. It was a cozy event with approximately 12 members present but so much fun. For one thing, we all examined each other in new kit. For the most part, the men from this era in the backwaters still dressed in their hunting and farming clothes but ladies’ ware certainly was more revealing. Period music echoed over the park as the Fife and Drum practiced new and old tunes. The public was treated to flintlock musket and rifle demonstrations, and the cannon crew looked very smart when they shot the cannon and Major Bogart explained the function of heavy artillery and its importance in this predominently naval war. The highlight of the day was at 1 PM  when the Major read the declaration of war against Britain making this conflict a formal event.

The 1st Regiment of East Tennessee Militia looked wonderful as they drilled. Movements were precise and crisp and in the afternoon, Major Bogart and militia members gave a talk about the war, Tennessee’s position, important Tennessee figures who commanded and the clothing and accoutrements of the era. I have to say that the audience was very interested and appreciated.

The Johnson City Press printed a terrific article about this event. Check it out. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/News/article.php?id=100872

Unrestored (as of yet) Sabine Hill built by Mary (“Polly”) Patton Taylor, widow of Gen. Nathaniel Taylor, of the War of 1812. Both are buried in the cemetery nearby. Among their great-grandsons were Governors Alfred A. and Robert L. Taylor, of Tennessee, and Nathaniel Harris, of Georgia.

Cannon Fire!

THE COMMANDER SPEAKS: VENTURE CREW UP AND RUNNING

Venture Crew

Molly Note: As you know, there are several Militia members who are very active in Boy Scouts but none is more active than our Commander. Wit the blessings of Head ranger Jennifer Bauers and the full support of her staff, Bob chartered a Venture Crew to involve the youth in our activities at the Historical site. This is a wonderful thing.

 

Crew 1776 is chartered. It is important that all youth and adults that have not yet paid their seventeen dollar registration need to do so this weekend. Youth need to make sure that their parents have completed the bottom portion of their registration form. The first crew meeting will be immediately following closing colors Saturday afternoon.

Thank you,

Bob

Major Bogart Speaks: Old Christmas Next Weekend

What did you say we had to decorate?

To the Washington County Militia,

 

Here is an update on the cultures being presented in the fort for Old Christmas

Tavern – Scottish (Dave & Sherry Shook and Mike Mankin)

#3 – Irish (Bob McCroskey & Tony DeVault)

#4 – German (Ramona Invidiato & Mike Coon)

#5 – Dutch (Chad Bogart)

The Talbot House has not been spoken for yet.

 

Take Care – Major Bogart

_______________________________________________________________________

A little Old Christmas history:

Old Christmas Day

 

Until the time of Julius Caesar the Roman year was organized round the phases of the moon. For many reasons this was hopelessly inaccurate so, on the advice of his astronomers, Julius instituted a calendar centred round the sun. It was decreed that one year was to consist of three hundred and sixty-five and a quarter days, divided into twelve months; the month of Quirinus was renamed ‘July’ to commemorate the Julian reform. Unfortunately, despite the introduction of leap years, the Julian calendar overestimated the length of the year by eleven minutes fifteen seconds, which comes to one day every on hundred and twenty-eight years. By the sixteenth century the calendar was ten days out. In 1582 reforms instituted by Pope Gregory XIII lopped the eleven minutes fifteen seconds off the length of a year and deleted the spare ten days. This new Gregorian calendar was adopted throughout Catholic Europe. Protestant Europe was not going to be told what day it was by the Pope, so it kept to the old Julian calendar. This meant that London was a full ten days ahead of Paris.  By the time England came round to adopting the Gregorian calendar, in the middle of the eighteenth century, England was eleven days ahead of the Continent. A Calendar Act was passed in 1751 which stated that in order to bring England into line, the day following the 2nd of September 1752 was to be called the 14th, rather than the 3rd of September. Unfortunately, many people were not able to understand this simple manoeuvre and thought that the government had stolen eleven days of their lives. In some parts there were riots and shouts of ‘give us back our eleven days!’ Before the calendar was reformed, England celebrated Christmas on the equivalent of the 6th of January by our modern, Gregorian reckoning. That is why in some parts of Great Britain people still call the 6th of January, Old Christmas Day. © Alan Williams 2000

Source:  http://www.christmas-time.com/cp-old.html

 

 

 

 

 

MAJOR BOGART SPEAKS: OLD CHRISTMAS, Jan. 7-8

Old Christmas from Dutch Cabin

To the Washington County Militia,
I hope this finds everyone well and joyful in the midst of the holiday season. Many thanks to those who helped out at the Carter Mansion. Both evenings were most enjoyable, and a good time was had by all.
To the Washington County Militia,
For our January Muster we will be presenting “Old Christmas”. In colonial days Old Christmas was celebrated on January 6th, 12 days after Dec. 25th. It had to do with the calendar change in the 1750s, which removed 12 days from the old calendar. Some people continued to use the old calendar and so holidays were celebrated 12 days after the fact. This is where the 12 days of Christmas came into existence.
For our program we try to have each cabin set up for Christmas in a different culture present on the 18th century frontier. Last time, for instance, we had – Tavern: Scottish Talbot House: English # 3: Irish # 4: German # 5: Dutch
This is what we have for this coming year so far –
# 3: Irish – Bob McCroskey & Tony DeVault # 4: German – Ramona Invidiato & Mike Coon # 5: Dutch – Chad Bogart
The Tavern, the Talbot House are open for interpretation. Please let me know if you would like to present a specific culture in one of these cabins.
I wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year,
Major Bogart

Fall Harvest Muster (Nov. 19-20) and Christmas at Carter Mansion (Dec. 2-3)

Rabbit and Squirrel and Bear, Oh my!!!

Adam and Sterl checking out Sara's native hut

The cool weather events, for many, are the favorites for the year and the Fall Harvest is the favorite muster , by far. Just like at home, there is the smell of wonderful cooking coming from every quarter, sounds of laughter, conversation, children playing, music drifting in the wind. The only thing missing is the sound of football on TV, but that’s for a later time.

This Fall Muster was no different than those before. Everyone was busy doing what they do best; scraping a hide, working with fiber, needles flashing or clicking, pots stacked, drilling. A little after 1 PM, the most scrumptious of dinners appeared. I heard that there was over a hundred dishes and as many people or more helping themselves to the seeming endless array. Something different this year was the pleasing variety of game dishes- bear stew and ribs, venison, rabbit and squirrel. After everyone took their fill, Chad conducted the auction for the Fife and Drum corp. I heard that it was very successful and considering this is the main way for funding this group, I know that every

Do I hear a starting bid of $1,000,000?

penny raised was greatly appreciated.

Sunday broke clear and beautiful and considering that this is Thanksgiving, the frontier service was more meaningful that usual. For the rest of the day, the Militia entertained the public, and enjoyed each other’s company.

The weather grew cooler but not as miserable as last year when the Militia celebrated Christmas at Carter Mansion on Dec. 2-3. It seemed that the whole of Elizabethton came to celebrate Christmas with the Militia members in the beautifully decorated Carter Mansion. The spot to be both nights was around the fires warming up the mulled cider near the Visitor’s Center. The men kept filling, stirring and pouring what seemed like a never ending line of cups. Traditional snacks, nuts and ginger biscuits were served. The ladies , in their best finery, were inside the mansion made cloved oranges and the smell of citrus, spice and pine lent festive cheer.

Virginia Reel in the Washington NC District

Music, both days, drifted thoughout and the members and guests did what the Carters undoubtedly did, cleared the main hall and joined together in a boisterous Virginia Reel. Upstairs, Jennifer was in the children’s room doing portraits while Lisa Bennett and Molly do-si-docented in the master room, explaining the history of the family and the house. Molly took a spin on the walking wheel which was a lot easier to manipulate that the silly drop spindle that I’ve been fumbling with. Saturday was jammed with people who came after the parade downtown and Adam and Sterling added to the festive feeling by shooting off a pistol, adding a bit of percussion to the music being played inside. I think the Carters would have heartily approved the the joyous Christmas in their mansion.

Squire Kenneth and Lady Retha

 (thanks to Randy Curde for letting me upload the pictures from his Facebook abum)

Major Bogart Speaks: Harvest Muster Schedule This Weekend!

Colonial Harvest Celebration

and

* M I L I T I A   M U S T E R *

 

N o v e m b e r   19 & 20

 

 

S y c a m o r e  S h o a l s  S t a t e  H i s t o r i c  A r e a

 

Before Thanksgiving was declared a National Holiday, each Colony or Community observed a Day of Thanks usually after the Harvest had been brought in. Join the Washington County Militia for their monthly Militia Muster and Harvest Home Celebration!

 

 

 

Saturday, November 19^th 

10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.  

11:00 – Preparing for Winter: Join Major Bogart and learn about food preservation in the 18^th century.

1:00 – Harvest Home: In 1777 North Carolina Gov. Richard Caswell issued a day of Thanksgiving after the American victory at Saratoga Visit with colonial frontier families as they celebrate and share the bounty of the harvest.

3:00 – Colonial Auction: Everyone is invited to attend our public auction where you can pick up 18^th century reproductions and delicious baked goods. All proceedes will benefit the Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums.

4:30 – Camps Close: Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of 18^th century Living History.

 

Sunday, November 20^th

10:00 – Militia Inspection and Raising the Colors: Hear the roar of muskets and rifles as the Militia starts off the day with a patriotic ceremony.

11:00 – Worship Service: Feel free to join the militia for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of Fort Watauga.

12:00 – Preparing for Winter: Join Major Bogart and learn about food preservation in the 18^th century.

2:00 – Militia Drill: View the County Militia as they train and prepare for military action.

3:00 – Camps Close: Please join us next time for another great living history experience.

 

 

 

O n g o i n g   A c t i v i t i e s   I n c l u d e

 

Food Preservation – Open Hearth Cooking – Hand Sewing – Militia Drill

Colonial Life Skills – Flintlock Rifle & Musket Demonstrations

Flint & Steel Fire Starting – Frontier Living History

 

 

Shall We Gather at the River! The Overmountain Men Crossing Muster Sept. 24-25

There’s been a whole heap o’ happenings going on this September and October and I’ve been really remiss in keeping up with them and staying on top of things up as best I may in the new Tennessee war against teachers being waged this year. In rapid succession three marvelous events occurred and the first was this. The others were Walnut Grove, the week after this one and Martin’s Station right on the heels of Walnut Grove.

Blast from the Past; River crossing (Courtesy Randy Curde)

Imagine, if you will, an impossibly beautiful Indian summer weekend. The air has that loamy fall scent and a golden cast filters through the leaves. Birds call gently, cooling breeze ruffles hat and hair. You feel like you want to walk the dog in the woods (even if you don’t have a dog) Then imagine, if you will, a whole pile of pissed  off woodsman tromping through, muskets rattling, fists raised in a huzzah as they think that at the end of a long and dangerous force march they would return the boast of Patrick Ferguson to keep him on the mountain where he stands. ( “He was on King’s Mountain, that he was King of that mountain and that God Almighty and all the Rebels of Hell could not drive him from it.”  Said by  Ferguson from a report by Joseph Kerr to Isaac Shelby).

This is the man who in the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 , when George Washington was unmistakably  in his sights, said it was ” ungentlemanly to shoot a man in the back of the head” (letter, 1779, Edinburg University).  He should have never said another word and mountaineers would have thought of him more kindly. Arrogance had another face, however, when he sent a message to Colonel Isaac Shelby, whom he considered to be the leader of the “backwater men.” The message said that if Shelby and his men did not stop their opposition to the British, Ferguson would march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders and “lay the country waste with fire and sword.” To hell with the loamy smell, the golden cast,  the chirping birds, the breeze caressing hat and hair. The “set of mongrels” as Ferguson called them  are a gonna nip that guy and whup the tar out of the whole dang blast lot of them!

That was the attitude of the group on the weekend of the September 24-25. The weather was so glorious (for a change) and there were so many festivals going on in the area it’s amazing we had any public at all. It was a very quiet event with the public coming in easy numbers.  On Saturday, Randy and Sterling Curde, Adam, Chris Taylor and Doug Walsh (I think) started from Rocky Mount and walked the 9 or so miles to Sycamore Shoals, arriving sometime around 1 PM. Chris said that Randy stopped every mile or so, greeting distant  relatives. He said Randy could run for Mayor and probably be elected. On the homefront, The Fife and Drum Corp gave a concert of 18th century tunes (their repetoire is really growing and Major Bogart  played the bones which gave the sound a delightful twist.) The Major later on   led a good number on a wood walk, recounting the story of the Overmountain Men and the role Sycamore Shoals played in all this.  The irascible Miss Molly was collared to the wool basket fielding questions about family life on the frontier and answering questions about period dress. At 2 PM, the gunners fired the cannon in an excellent artillery demo  and the militia excercised a show of force in the drill toward the end of the day.

What happened during the day was very good ; after hours was simply fantastic- everyone stuck around and before , during and after the movie (“Drums Along the Mohawk”) I think the group had more fun and jollification than at any other time.

On Sunday, the schedule was essentially the same but our neighbors from Abingdon (Overmountain Vicotory Trail Assn.) joined the Militia. At 2 PM, it looked like an old fashioned baptism as members,  the Overmountain Victory trail people and guests all joined together at or in the river to commemorate the historic event.

Moe, Larry and Curley (not in that order!)

Excellent on line reads about Kings Mountain

http://www.overmountainvictory.org/loyal.htm

http://books.google.com/books/about/King_s_Mountain_and_its_heroes.html?id=6lv28UVzqUIC

http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/kingsmtfall05.html