April Muster: Carter Mansion Celebration, April 2-3

Saturday, April 2 & Sunday, April 3   

 

Travel back to the 1780s… The American colonies have declared Independence, but the outcome of this bitter struggle is still in question. Hardy frontiersmen have crossed the mountains in defiance of British law and have carved out homes in the wilderness. Conflict is rising between American Patriots, Loyalists who support the Crown, and native Indians who struggle to retain their way of life. But the people of this time still find cause for celebration and merriment so come out and see it all come together at the oldest frame house in Tennessee.

The Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, built ca. 1775-1780, boasts beautiful over mantle murals, hand carved moldings and raised panels making it one of the most treasured sites in Tennessee history. The house is the only surviving link to the famed Watauga Association, the democratic government set up by the early settlers in the Watauga Valley. The home’s builder, John Carter, served as a chairman of the Association.

The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, Sycamore Shoals’ host living history organization, will be celebrating its seven-year anniversary during this exciting celebration! The Militia will be encamped on the grounds of the Carter Mansion and will present demonstrations of the daily lives of 18^th century backwoods settlers. As part of the activities a re-enactment of a small battle between Patriots and Tories will be presented each day.

Local craftsmen and artisans will be on hand throughout the weekend showcasing and demonstration traditional arts and crafts. Other activities throughout the weekend will include Tours of the Carter Mansion: Tennessee’s oldest frame house, Militia Drill, Musket and Rifle demonstrations, Traditional Music, Storytelling, Colonial Military Music by the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums, and much more. Come join us for a weekend of History, Entertainment, and Family Fun!

OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY MUSTER COMING UP THIS WEEKEND, SEPT. 25-27

Overmountain men fighting at Kings Mountain, the turning point of the War. fought in the Southern Theater.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Presents:

The Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration

Friday, Saturday and Sunday,

September 25, 26 and 27

It was the year 1780. The tide of the Revolution had turned against the colonists.  The British, forced out of New England, gained new allies in the divided South and won victory after victory in a bloody civil war.  Charleston had fallen, and American forces had crumbled at the battle of Camden. But then the impossible occurred…The frontiersmen of the western mountains began a long march, gathering an army along the way, from the highlands of Virginia to the hills of South Carolina.  There, at a place called King’s Mountain, they destroyed an army and opened the way for the final American victory at Yorktown.

The route they took from Virginia to South Carolina, we now know as the Overmountain Victory Trail.  Come celebrate with us as we recreate the muster of the Overmountain Men, which occurred here at Sycamore Shoals over two hundred years ago. Re-enactors in period clothing will be on hand throughout the weekend to share stories of the excitement and danger of that tumultuous time.

The celebration kicks off at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 25^th as the Overmountain Victory Trail Association recreates the historic Watauga River crossing. For the past 40 years Members of the OVTA have recreated this historic occurrence since 1975, following the same route and timetable as their legendary forebears from Abingdon, VA to Kings Mountain, SC.

In conjunction with the OVTA crossing, the Tennessee State Guard will be celebrating their 235^th anniversary as they trace their inception to the gathering of the Overmountain Men at Sycamore Shoals in 1780. Tennessee State Guardsmen will join the OVTA in the recreation of the Watauga River crossing. Following the crossing the Tennessee State Guard will hold a timeline Pass in Review showcasing the guard’s involvement in Tennessee’s military history.

The celebration continues both Saturday and Sunday as the Washington County Militia present living history demonstrations and activities in and around Fort Watauga.  Also, as part of the weekend’s activities, join us as we celebrate National Public Land’s Day on Saturday, September 26. At 1:00 pmjoin Historic Interpreter Chad Bogart on a special guided walk through the grounds of Sycamore Shoals and along portions of the walking path. Discover the vital role Sycamore Shoals played in the early frontier community, and how its significance would impact our nation’s history. Hear the story of the Overmountain Men and their historic gathering at Sycamore Shoals.

It will be a fun filled and action packed weekend sure to entertain and educate all ages. Admission is free so bring the entire family and relive some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution.

EVENT SCHEDULE

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25^th

 

2:00 – Watauga River Crossing – Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association and the Tennessee State Guard recreate the historic crossing of September 25^th, 1780.

Following the Crossing – TN State Guard Timeline Pass in Review – The Tennessee State Guard celebrates its 235^th anniversary by showcasing their involvement in the state’s military history. Program presented in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26^th  

 

9:00 – “The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon” – Join The Overmountain Men inside Fort Watauga as they assemble for morning colors and then listen to the stirring words of Reverend Samuel Doak as he delivers his famous sermon and prayer. The militia then departs in search of Patrick Ferguson and the tory army.

 

11:00 – “Gearing up for War” – Join Ken and Retha Reece inside Fort Watauga and learn about the gear, equipment, and food carried by the Overmountain Men in their campaign to Kings Mountain.

 

12:00 – “Echoes of Revolution” – Join the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums for an exciting glimpse into the musical world of the 18^th century.

 

1:00 – “Trail Talk: Walking in Frontier Footsteps” – To celebrate National Public Lands Day, join historic interpreter Chad Bogart for a guided walk along the park trail as he recounts the story of the Overmountain Men and their historic gathering at Sycamore Shoals. Program begins at Fort Watauga.

 

2:00 – “Life on the Homefront” – Come to the Talbot House for a look at the woman’s role on the 18^th century frontier. See how the women and children fared after the militia had marched off in search of Patrick Ferguson and the Tory army.

3:00 – “Every Seventh Man” – Oral tradition states that the Overmountain Men left behind one in seven to guard the settlements as they went in search of the tory army. Witness the Watauga Home Guard drill and hone their skills as defenders of the frontier. Learn about the different firearms used in Colonial America.

4:00 – Camps Close – Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of life on the colonial frontier!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27^th    

 

10:00 – Worship Service – Feel free to join the militia for Sunday morning service held in the courtyard of Fort Watauga. Following the service witness the Washington County Militia fall in for inspection of arms, and orders are given for the day.

 

12:00 – Artillery Demonstration – Join members of the Washington County Militia as they fire the fort’s cannon and talk about artillery in the 18^th century.

1:00 – “Life on the Homefront” – Come to the Talbot House for a look at the woman’s role on the 18^th century frontier. See how the women and children fared after the militia had marched off in search of Patrick Ferguson and the Tory army.

 

2:00 – “Every Seventh Man” – Oral tradition states that the Overmountain Men left behind one in seven to guard the settlements as they went in search of the tory army. Witness the Watauga Home Guard drill and hone their skills as defenders of the frontier. Learn about the different firearms used in Colonial America.

 

3:00 – Retiring the Colors – Camps Close – Thank you for joining us for a great day of frontier living history. Join us next time!

 

ONGOING ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH DAYS INCLUDE:

Open Hearth Cooking – Flintlock Musket & Rifle Demonstrations – Tavern Life – Militia Drill

Colonial Music – Leatherwork – Wool Processing – Colonial Games – 18^th Century Camp Life

And Much More!!!

 

All activities are weather dependent. Schedule is subject to change or cancellation.

MAJOR BOGART SPEAKS: SEPTEMBER MUSTER SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE

Good Morning everyone,

We now have our nine stations and station leaders set for the September School Day on the 25^th.

Stations are as follows…

Revolutionary War Weaponry – Tony DeVault

Colonial Games – Kay Milsaps

Colonial Handwriting – Ramona Invidiato

Hides and Tanning – Kim Palmer & Earl Stalge

Trail Foods and Overmountain Man Gear – Ken & Retha Reece

Colonial Clothing – Worley & Lisa Bennett

Fort/Cabin Life – Chenoa Patton & Rachel Bennett

Artistry – Richard Luce

Museum/Gift Shop – Park Staff

STATION LEADERS*** Have your station set up and ready to go by 9:00 am Friday, September 25^th.

Rotations are 15 minutes each. Rotations begin at 9:30. Lunch Break 11:00 – 12:00. Rotations end at 12:45

Thank you to all who volunteered to assists in this event. We couldn’t do it without you.

As always please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Y.M.O.S.

Major Bogart

Chad A. Bogart

Historic Interpreter

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area

1651 W. Elk Ave.

Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808 ext. 107

Independence on the Frontier , Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, June 27th & 28th

Framing the Declaration of Independence

Step back in time 239 years to a colorful revolutionary world and witness life as it was on the 18^th century frontier during a very tumultuous time. In the summer of 1776 colonial leaders met in Philadelphia to draft a document that would forever change the world. As our guest to Fort Watauga, you too can be part of the excitement as news of American Independence reaches the colonial frontier. What did the colonists think about a new nation? Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future.

The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, host living history organization at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, will be encamped in and around Fort Watauga giving visitors a glimpse of life in 1776. A myriad of activities will unfold throughout the weekend such as militia drill and training, artillery firing demonstrations, open hearth cooking, tomahawk throwing and a special reading of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday at 1:00 followed a short celebration.

Get an early start on your Independence celebrations and bring the entire family out for a weekend full of history, patriotism, education, and family fun. The event will run from 10:00 until 4:00 on Saturday, June 27^th and 10:00 until 3:00 on Saturday, June 28^th.  Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more information about this event please contact the park at 423-543-5808 or log on to these websites: http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org or http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals

Independence on the Frontier: Schedule of Events

 

Saturday, June 27^th     

10:00 – Raising the Colours:  Start the day off with a bang as the militia falls in for inspection

and raises the flag with a patriotic ceremony.

10:30 – Wataugan Footsteps: Join Gillian in the visitors center and learn about an important

woman on the frontier, Ann Robertson, who played a crucial role during the siege of Fort

Watauga in 1776.

11:00 – “Fix Bayonets”: Join Mr. Davis of the Continental Army and learn about the uses and

tactics of the bayonet, one of the most feared weapons used in the Revolutionary War! Then cheer on the Militiamen as they test their skill and aim with this 18^th century weapon.

12:00 – “Echoes of Revolution”: The Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums perform martial and field

music of the Revolutionary War.

1:00 – Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Join in the excitement as the document

declaring our freedom from Great Britain is read publicly inside Fort Watauga. A short

celebration will follow.

2:00 – Kids Militia & Rubber Band Rifle Shoot: Attention all able bodied kids! Fall in and

drill with the Washington Co. Militia. Then join in the fun of an old fashioned rubber

band shooting match!

3:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18^th century artillery as the Militia fires

the Fort’s Cannon.

4:00 – Militia Drill & Retiring the Colours – The Washington County Militia demonstrates the

tactics and firearms used during the Revolutionary War, and then retire the flag for the day.

Camps Close to the Public: Join us tomorrow for another exciting day of 18^th century

living history.

 

Sunday, June 28^th    

10:00 – Raising the Colours:  Start the day off with a bang as the militia falls in for inspection

and raises the flag with a patriotic ceremony.

11:00 – Worship Service: Join us for Sunday Service held inside Fort Watauga.  

1:00 – Kids Militia: Attention all able bodied kids! Fall in and drill with the Washington Co.

Militia.

2:00 – Artillery Drill and Demonstration: Learn about 18^th century artillery as the Militia fires

the Fort’s Cannon.

3:00 – Militia Drill & Retiring the Colours: The Washington County Militia demonstrates the

tactics and firearms used during the Revolutionary War, then lowers the flag for the day.

Ongoing Activities Throughout the Weekend Include…

18^th Century Cooking Techniques and Foodways – Colonial Carpentry – Wool Spinning and Fiber Arts – Flintlock Rifle and Musket Firing Demonstrations – Colonial Woodsmen Skills

And Much More!

21st Annual Seige of Fort Watauga. May 16-17, 2015

Pensive and watching

This weekend marked the 21st annual Siege of Fort Watauga. Each year, the complexion of the event has been different but this one, by far, has been the best for so many reasons.  The weather was clement; Friday was sunny and clear, Saturday was hot but dry and the rains held off Sunday until long after the event was done, but that’s not why it was so good. I’ll let the Johnson City Press and the master’s thesis written by Brian Patrick Compton , whose links are below, tell the story of the three pronged Cherokee siege which trapped one hundred-fifty people inside the fort for twenty days or so and how they managed to overcome three hundred very angry warriors with only five pounds of black powder and buckets of boiling water. What was interesting was what I saw in recreating the spirit of the place and its inhabitants and the number of youngsters who are keeping the story alive.

Many of the sutlers came from their stay at Martin’s Station the previous week and they were in place by Friday when the rest of the re-enactors came and set up throughout the day. One could hear excited voices and the clang of hammer on metal as tents were set up. All the cabins were manned and everyone was ready to roll. The most interesting was the Tory public house set up in the man cave. So what if they were loyalists? Will Caldwell, Kurt Stevens, Ethan Walling and others did a wonderful job capturing the feeling of a public house. I have to say though, that after hours was kind of staid by my standards .  I was next door and was was expecting to hear God knows what from these twenty-somethings. I was kind of hoping to live my youth vicariously by listening.  I was in my twenties once and I can remember kicking up my heels a bit. Instead, there was quiet conversation, plenty of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Whoopee!

Games, food and fellowship abounded at the Loyalist public house.

RELAXIN’

There was a larger than normal number of participants, ranging from Brits to Tories, Natives and civilian impressions. What was so interesting was number of different 18th century living skills being demonstrated all over the park. There was salt making, chair caning, sewing, flax processing, hearth

German stuffed noodles in broth on Saturday and hasty apple fritters on Sunday at the Ramona Inn :o)

and open fire cooking, leather working, children games, adult games,  weaving, spinning, weaponry, native living and of course, relaxatin’.  Between the two days, more than a thousand visitors came to view the battle recreations and visit with the reenactors, a very satisfying turnout.

When Saturday broke and the call to arms was made, there was musket toting militia almost equal in number to the original seventy five that were there in 1776. The line, crooked as it was, stretched from Blockhouse to near the back gate. (we need to have a tee shirt made,boys, with “Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia” in colonial lettering printed in a crooked line on the front and “We don’t do straight lines” printed on the back. Just sayin’)

Waiting for orders; look who’s at the end of the line?

On Saturday, the group recreated the ladies out in the field, the native attack and capturing of Lydia Bean. Strategic placement of men and ladies  with John Moss’s SC rangers, Militia members and those from the Anderson Blockhouse filled the wall and the field; shot was abundant and the smoke hung heavy over the field. The Brits, Loyalists and natives were a formidable group and it still gives me chills as I think of the natives streaking over the field with the sound of their war whoops still ringing in my ears. There was one young fellow especially who startled the living bejaysis out of me.

Caleb and the Charcoal streak!

The native who I think is Kurk blended in to the tree canopy and the fort walls and it gave me a start to see him try to force his way into the Talbot House on Sunday . Fortunately for the Talbots, though, the natives at the door were soundly repelled! It was touches like this that made this event especially interesting.

I bet those natives had a pounding headache after they got pounded!

Sweet sounds!

There were other things that made a difference as well. On Saturday and Sunday, after the battle, the Fife and Drum Corp gave what I thought was almost a concert and on Saturday, there were three brothers from Jonesville , VA, who played violins and sang. It was pure heaven to listen to the Corp and these fine young gentlemen. Besides the usual doings, at 2 PM on Sunday, the ladies provided a fine tea for all and sundry. Dainties of all kinds appeared and  like the loaves and fishes, it fed the multitude,

It seems like we fed thousands at the tea.

The Fife and Drum Corp outdid themselves this year! Many visitors commented on how wonderful they sounded

The most interesting thing about this particular event was the number of children who were there. One could see them playing in and around the fort on both days. There was the sound of light  young voices, lithe bodies zooming around like fireflies and every where they landed, there was laughter and smiles. It gladdened our hearts to see these young people, from toddlers to twenty-somethings, So many of the members have worried that when we go, the story might die. But after seeing the amount of young people  taking part, I think the future of telling the story of the intrepid people who settled this place will be forever insured.

Keeping the story alive!

Melodie Daniels and one of her “man-cubs”. so cute!

Pearl

A beauty!

Younger and older; our story lives!

Interesting and scholarly master’s thesis :Revised History of Fort Watauga.

http://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2260&context=etd

Johnson City Press:

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/article/126642/living-history-sycamore-shoals-strives-for-accuracy-in-siege-of-fort-watauga-event

Watch the full Sunday battle!

Photos from JD Douglas and Ken and Retha Reece. Thanks for taking such beautiful pictures. It was tough to choose from so many wonderful shots! A special mention goes to thanking Earl Slagle. He has been working diligently on making the cabins look totally beautiful and authentic by framing the sides of all the buildings, fixing and insulating the eaves. It’s astounding what this man has done and many visitors commented on how beautiful the fort is.

21st Annual Siege of Fort Wautaga, May 16 & 17, 2015

Militia is looking good

21^st Annual Siege of Fort Watauga

May 16 & 17, 2015

On Saturday, May 16^th and Sunday, May 17^th, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area will host nearly 200 living history re-enactors for the annual Siege of Fort Watauga. Colonial, British, and Native re-enactors will converge at the re-created Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals to relive the days when America’s first frontier was the land beyond the blue ridge.

The Siege of Fort Watauga is a live retelling of the Cherokee attack brought on the settlers of the Watauga valley in the summer of 1776. At Sycamore Shoals, Fort Watauga offered protection to nearly 200 settlers during a two-week siege led by Cherokee War Chief, Old Abram, and 300 warriors.

Sycamore Shoals will once again be the scene of war during the Siege of Fort Watauga. The event lasts from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 16^th and10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 17^th. Step back in time as you visit the fort, militia camps, British encampment, and Native camp. Be immersed in 18^thcentury frontier life as you witness daily aspects of colonial culture. See the clash of two cultures as the attack on fort Watauga is recreated both days at 1:00 pm. Also, attend our auction of 18^th century reproductions on Saturday.

Take advantage of colonial merchants selling period wares in “Sutler’s Row”. There will be several vendors offering a myriad of 18^th century reproduction items for the colonial enthusiast or the primitive decorator. Vendors this year include Zettlemoyer Pottery offering reproduction redware and other 18^th century pottery items, Trader Bob offering tanned animal pelts and hides, Ft. Vause Outfitters specializing in finished leather goods, and several other vendors offering everything from 18^th century reproduction clothing, weaponry, and original antiques, to replica housewares, hand-carved wooden items, and military accouterments.

Several Revolutionary War living history units will be in attendance and will make the 18^th century come to life during the weekend. Units include the First Maryland based in Hendersonville, NC, Musgrove’s Mill Militia and the South Carolina Rangers based in upstate South Carolina, and two British units; the 42^nd Light Infantry and the North Carolina Highland Regiment. The host unit is the Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia based at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Numerous individuals also participate in the event portraying many 18^th century walks of life including Cherokee Natives, Backcountry Hunters, Farmers, Housewives, African Slaves, Commoners and Gentry.

For more information on this and other exciting events at Sycamore Shoals please contact the park at 423-543-5808 or visit the park’s website atwww.sycamoreshoalstn.org. Bring the entire family and see how your ancestors played a crucial role in our region’s history and in the formation of our nation. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see the 18^th century come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. This event is sponsored by The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia and The Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.

Siege of Fort Watauga 2015 Schedule of Events

S A T U R D A Y,  M A Y  16th

10:00   Camps Open.

10:30   Raising the Colors & Militia Inspection (Fort Watauga)

11:00   Kids Militia Drill (Talbot’s Meadow – in front of Fort Watauga)

11:30   Colonial Games (Fort Watauga)

12:00   “Ms. Jane”, Colonial Frontier Slave Narrative: Ms. Lynette Stuart (Fort Watauga)

1:00     Battle Reenactment: “Siege of Fort Watauga”

2:00     “Recruitment of Children into His Majesty’s Service” (British Camp)

2:30     Field Music: Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums (Fort Watauga)

3:00     Auction (Visitors Center)

4:00     Salt Making on the Frontier: Mr. Jim Boardwine (Fort Watauga)

5:00     Camps Close. Please join us tomorrow for another exciting day of living history!

S U N D A Y,  M A Y  17th

10:00   Camps Open – Worship Service (Fort Watauga)

11:00   Militia Inspection (Fort Watauga)

11:30   Colonial Games (Fort Watauga)

12:00   “Ms. Jane”, Colonial Frontier Slave Narrative: Ms. Lynette Stuart (Fort Watauga)

1:00     Battle Reenactment: “Siege of Fort Watauga”

1:30     Field Music: Watauga Valley Fifes & Drums (Fort Watauga)

2:00     Ladies Tea & Sunday Social – Everyone Welcomed (Fort Watauga)

3:00     Retiring the Colors (Fort Watauga) Event Closed. Thank you for coming!

O N G O I N G   A C T I V I T I E S   T H R O U G H O U T   T H E   W E E K E N D 

Cherokee Lifeways and Demonstrations, Colonial Games, Salt Making, Tavern Keeping, Leather Work, Weaving, Food Preservation, Lard Rendering, Hand Sewing, Knitting, Flax Processing, Colonial Music, Open Hearth Cooking, Flintlock Firearms Demonstrations, 18th Century Militia Encampment, British Camp, And Many More Aspects of 18th Century Life!

18^TH  C E N T U R Y   M A R K E T   F A I R

Ft. Vause Outfitters, Daniel Boone of Kentucky, Zettlemoyer Pottery, Grubbs Station,

Wintergreen Farms, Roy Carter, Trader Bob, Squirrel Town Traders, Johnson and Moffett, McDuffies Trade, Shaun Harley: Pewterer

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643

MAJOR BOGART SPEAKS: The Siege is Upon Us and Auction Items

Moving the line

To the Washington Co. Militia,

The Siege of Fort Watauga is in 15 days. Can you believe it?!  It promises to be a great event as we have some new sutlers coming, some new participants taking part, and of course all our old friends will be together again. As the host unit for this event let’s do what we do best, and that is make our guests feel welcomed and appreciated.

As usual I will need some help setting up and serving the dinner on Saturday Evening. Please let me know if you can lend a hand.

I would also like to have an information table this year with schedules, maps, a donation box, and general direction for people with questions. Let me know if you would be willing to tend the information booth for a time during the weekend. I’m thinking two hour increments each day: 10-12, 12-2, and 2-4. I am also going to ask the friends group to help with this.

I am still putting the schedule together so if you would like to do a program, presentation, talk, seminar, or display please let me know ASAP. We want this event to showcase the best we have to offer as living historians. You all are a very talented and knowledgeable group of people and the park is blessed to have you.

As always if you have any thoughts, questions, comments or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me any time.

I am starting to get a few auction items in. However, we are nowhere near where we need to be. Please, if you can, dig around and find some of that “stuff” you no longer use (period correct of course) and donate to a very worthy cause.

Thank You,

Major Bogart

Thank You,

Major Bogart

Carter Mansion Celebration, April 11-12, 2015

Five miles east of the fort is a little slice of elegance on the frontier and it’s always nice when the Militia has a muster at the John and Landon Carter Mansion. This year it was on April 11-12 and I’ll tell you, there were a lot of people sweating it  on Friday before the event. For one thing, it had been raining like a bee-ach-e and cold all week and the forecast didn’t look too promising almost right up to the very end. There weren’t too many people setting up on Friday and the question that was bandied about was whether there would be enough people there to hold the skirmish as the boss (Major Bogart) hadn’t really come up with a Plan B. Scott and Ethan Wallen, Bobby Hamm, Earl Slagle and the Garrous set up in the rain and prayed for good weather. With my bad luck when it came to events and the weather powers, I even offered to sleep at home thinking that with the Jonas removed, things would be good. Oh me of little faith!!! As bad as it was prior to the weekend, that’s how glorious it was from late Friday to Sunday.

Becky and John Garrou and their display of “Smalls” The place was jumpin’ all weekend!

Part of the discussion regarding attendance was that so much was going on this particular weekend and the members were pulled in every direction. At Rocky Mount, there was Wooly Days and also a big meeting of the OVTA, and several members had to be there for that. There was a big Civil War event at the Tipton- Haynes house in Johnson City as well and several thought that these would pretty well siphon off members and the public too. In spite of that all, we had a decent public attendance and the members worked around their schedules and came in force.   Weather was dry and cool and people came from everywhere. There were all kinds of displays, from Jennifer Bauer’s husband doing flint knapping and she dying wool, to The Garrous’ mercantile stall, “The Gourd Man” Jim’s  fine display of gourd items, Ronnie Lail’s rope making machine, Cindy weaving and me spinning wool. Kay Milsap had the children all gathered as she demonstrated 18th century games , Bobby Hamm had fur and bone trade goods and the list goes on. At 1 PM, the group recreated a skirmish between the Tories and the Patriots. Actually this battle didn’t really exist the way we do it but the hard feelings and in-fighting sure did. After the Transylvania Purchase, John Carter and Charles Robertson fronted money for several families to buy the land they had settled on. When it was known that some of these families were loyal to the Crown, the Commitee of Five pulled the plug on these people. I suppose today we’d call it foreclosure. John, as Chairman, planned to take the deeds to New Bern to re-register them and it’s this that the argument and subsequent skirmish is based on. People LOVE the yelling, the shooting and it makes for a bit of drama. Of course, what they don’t know is that Carter never made it to the capitol but died along the way from smallpox and the box of deeds was never found. After the skirmish, the ladies laid on a tea for one and all. It always astounds me how much food we end up having- kind of like the loaves and fishes . the tea went off without a hitch!

Sunday came gloriously and instead of a tea, Major Bogart conducted a frontier service with communion. Everyone who was there was mindful of Easter that had just passed , Chad gave  a wonderful sermon, very touching and the Militia gathered  closely. Sunday was a more relaxed day but still it moved so fast that before one knew it, it was over.

The celebration at Carter Mansion is the beginning of the warm weather reenactment season and no more wonderful time could have been planned.

Thanks John and Becky Garrou for the great pictures.

Cindy Jordan and me in front of my domicile. Harry was with Earl Slagle down by at his camp

Rope Making

Doug Ledbetter came from the Nolichucky with his Surveying equipment.

Melodie Daniels and one of her “man-cubs”. so cute!

Ethan “God save the King” Wallen and Jennifer

It was great seeing Col. Bob McCroskey. Mel McKay is in the picture too.

communion with Chad Bogart, Jason Davis and Ronnie Lail

The place to meet and greet

The John and Landon Carter Mansion

Carter Mansion Celebration. April 11-12

For sure!!!!

Travel back to the 1780s… The American colonies have declared Independence, but the outcome of this bitter struggle is still in question. Hardy frontiersmen have crossed the mountains in defiance of British law and have carved out homes in the wilderness. Conflict is rising between American Patriots, Loyalists who support the Crown, and native Indians who struggle to retain their way of life. But the people of this time still find cause for celebration and merriment so come out and see it all come together at the oldest frame house in Tennessee.

The Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, built ca. 1775-1780, boasts beautiful over mantle murals, hand carved moldings and raised panels making it one of the most treasured sites in Tennessee history. The house is the only surviving link to the famed Watauga Association, the democratic government set up by the early settlers in the Watauga Valley. The home’s builder, John Carter, served as a chairman of the Association.

The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, Sycamore Shoals’ host living history organization, will be celebrating its six-year anniversary during this exciting celebration! The Militia will be encamped on the grounds of the Carter Mansion and will present demonstrations of the daily lives of 18^th century backwoods settlers. As part of the activities a re-enactment of a small battle between Patriots and Tories will be presented each day.

Local craftsmen and artisans will be on hand throughout the weekend showcasing and demonstration traditional arts and crafts. Other activities throughout the weekend will include Tours of the Carter Mansion: Tennessee’s oldest frame house, Militia Drill, Musket and Rifle demonstrations, Traditional and Old Time Music, Storytelling, Colonial Military Music by the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums, and much more. Come join us for a weekend of History, Entertainment, and Family Fun!

The Carter Mansion is located on the Broad Street Extension in Elizabethton, TN. For further information or directions to the Carter Mansion, contact:

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area

(423) 543-5808

http://www.sycamoreshoalstn.org

http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals

MAJOR BOGART SPEAKS: CARTER MANSION CELEBRATION , APRIL 11-12

One of my favorite pictures. Major Bogart seeking inspiration before the service at the 2012 muster.

Next weekend (April 11-12) is the Carter Mansion Celebration. So far I have these people committed to doing a demonstration…

Bobby Hamm – Traps and Furs

Ramona Invidiato – Wool

Becky Garrou – Foodways & Gardening

Kay Milsaps – Games

Earl Slagle – Backwoods Skills & Cooking

Doug Ledbetter – Surveying

I need to know by tomorrow if anyone else has planned to do a demo. I also need to know ASAP who is planning to camp so I can get an idea of how much firewood to take up there.

Also the OVTA is having their board meeting that Saturday at Rocky Mount, and some of them may come by for a visit including John Slaughter, NPS group superintendent for Kings Mountain, Cowpens, 96 and the Overmountian  Victory National Historic Trail. John is great and really enjoys the living history aspect of interpretation. I am eager for you all to meet John.

Thanks,

Major Bogart