at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
18th Century Colonial Life & History
Sycamore Shoals: Where Liberty Began – PowerPoint Presentation – All Ages
Along the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals, in what was once considered a frontier wilderness, you stand on the very lands where historical events of monumental significance have taken place. It is here, that families came together, made their homes, formed a new government, bought & traded land from the Cherokee, and ultimately, fought for the freedom we hold so dear today. This presentation will provide an overview of the historic events that took place here, in the 18th century.
The Sycamore Shoals Walking Tour
Walking on the very grounds where great historic events took place, our tour will take you to many places. You will visit a recreation of Fort Watauga; stand at the “shoals,” the place where the Overmountain Men crossed to muster here during the American Revolution; find out about the Transylvania Purchase; and learn about patriotism at its finest, The Watauga Association, the 1st majority-rule system of American democratic government – formed here in 1772.
Tour the Carter Mansion
The oldest standing frame house in the state of Tennessee, the “Mansion” was the home of John and Landon Carter, both gentlemen instrumental in the political, business, and military events of the late 18th century. Boasting extraordinary interior detail, this tour is a must when visiting Sycamore Shoals!
Colonial Games
What could children possibly have done for fun over 200 years ago? Let’s find out more about the games and different ways that young people entertained themselves long before the advent of technology!
An 18th Century Collage: Living During the 18th Century
Survival, women’s & men’s skills, warfare, weaponry, independence, and more. This talk and tour will share the lifestyles of people who lived here during the mid to late 1700’s, presented in contrast to our lives today.
The Flintlock Rifle
An important tool of every settler and militiaman, be it that of the longhunter, or battle during the American Revolution. This talk will share the components and the need for having one’s rifle on hand.
Park Personalities
Who was Catherine Sherrill, John Carter, or John Sevier? Our park interpreters can ‘become’ a variety of the historical figures who were important to the history we interpret at Sycamore Shoals. Meet these great people ‘face to face!’
18th Century Medicine
Take a firsthand look at natural cures and remedies of healing illness and keeping healthy in 18th century life.
Militia Drill!
With replica rifles in hand, join our commander and learn the skills of drilling, and the reasons behind this process!
Storyweaving
How do you tell your story? This interactive program shares some basic skills and practice at storytelling; in addition to a few good tales from the Homespun Storytelling Guild.
Traditional Arts Workshops
Throughout the year, Sycamore Shoals offers a variety of workshops geared to learning traditional skills, focusing on 18th century life ways. Demonstrations and hands-on opportunities are available for students and teachers.
Spinning, Weaving, and Natural Dyeing: Ancient Arts
Throughout history, various cultures have devised methods of making yarn from plant and animal fibers and using it to make cloth for all of their daily needs. We offer opportunities for children to learn about these interesting life skills.
Traditional Music
Tunes through Time
A first hand, musical journey……..discover the unique instruments of early America, in addition to hearing the songs and styles of the time. The song was the story of so many lives; a great way to become immersed in our early culture.
Shape Note Singing - Led by Don Wiley
January – December 3rd Sunday of each Month 3 – 5 pm
Enjoy the beautiful 4 part harmonies produced by singing the “shapes” each month at Sycamore Shoals. A very early tradition, in which the various shapes represented each note of the do-re-mi scale. We invite you to join “The Old Fields Singers” for an experience you will not forget. Demonstrations & participation can be arranged for field trips with advance notice.
Old Time Music and Jams
Sunday afternoons, throughout most of the year, Sycamore Shoals and/or the Carter Mansion host open ‘jams’ for old time musicians to gather and share tunes. Please call the park for additional information.
Outdoor Drama
The Longest Running Outdoor Drama in the State of Tennessee….
Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
Thursday – Saturday - The Last 3 Weekends of July, each year.
The drama depicts the 18th Century settlement of Northeast Tennessee and is presented each year by local performers in the shadow of Fort Watauga. The drama tells the story of the major events surrounding the Watauga Settlement on the grounds where they actually happened. Seating is available in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater and performances begin evenings at 7:30 pm. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Admissions Charge.
Explore the Outdoors!
Throughout the year, area naturalists will be joining us at varied times to share in their areas of expertise. Guided tours, hikes, talks, and field trips will explore the park and other areas of natural interest.
Sense Awakening Activities and “Natural” Games
Sometimes life moves so quickly we miss it! Our sense awakening activities are designed to help us slow down and learn how to really observe the world around us. These will be followed by some active games which share great stories about the outdoors.
Native Plant Walk
Along the Watauga River, Sycamore Shoals offers the nature enthusiast so many opportunities to observe wildlife and native plant species. Spring offers the best opportunities to view wildflowers in bloom; while late summer showcases flowers of fields and meadows; fall brightens with red’s and oranges with good looks at colorful seeds and leaves.
A No-Touch Scavenger Hunt
Learn to see and experience life with pencil and paper. From the tiniest seed to a white tailed deer, our scavenger hunt will certainly wake up the senses!
Creek Critters
Find out more about the water that nourishes life in the park. The Watauga River and its associated creeks, are homes to many species. On this excursion, we’ll see what is living in the water around us!
Seasonal Migratory Bird Walks - May & October
Please call the park for date and time information – Lead by the Lee & Lois Herndon Bird Club
Join naturalist Don Holt for this day long winged adventure. Come for all or part of the day. Sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association & Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Please call for date and time information
Monarch Waystation and Butterfly Garden
A wonderful new addition to our grounds, these gardens are comprised of native Tennessee plants that attract butterflies for food and reproduction.
History at Home
A creative mix of historical & natural programs presented Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend by our interpretive staff. Schedules change on a weekly basis so please call for the latest program listing.
Colonial Kids
Fridays in June June 12, 19, 26 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
A Daycamp with an historic flavor - Spend a day at the Carter Mansion for a day of historical & natural activities for young people ages 9 - 13. Registration is limited to 10 each week. Small fee for each session.
Musters & Living History Events
Re-enactors join us at Fort Watauga during various weekends of each month to present demonstrations and glimpses into frontier life during the 18th century in this region. Please check with the park for scheduled weekend dates.
Old Christmas: Winter Garrison at Fort Watauga
1st weekend in January
Join Hardin’s Rangers, a French and Indian War period re-enactment group, at Fort Watauga for a living history look into the 18th century. Featuring a host of frontier life demonstrations that you can participate in!
Fort Muster
2nd weekend in February
The Company of Overmountain Men will garrison at Fort Watauga and present insights into life of the backwoods Militia during the Revolutionary War. Join us for drill, cooking, battle demonstrations, and much more.
15th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
Saturday & Sunday, 3rd weekend in May
It’s 1776 and the Colonies are in the throes of Revolution and the frontier is in a state of chaos. Militant Cherokee are being armed by the British and threaten to attack the settlements. Come see how settlers of the Watauga Valley defend their lives, families, hearth, and home at the “Siege.”
An 18th Century Independence Celebration
Celebrate the beginning of our nation’s independence! We will be hosting a gala that will include the arrival, by courier, of the Declaration of Independence, raising of the Continental Colors, refreshments, and contests!
Carter Mansion Celebration & Garrison
2nd weekend in August
Join us at the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the beautiful Carter Mansion, located on Broad Street Extension for two days of music and fun. The detailed interior of this house, built around 1775, is unparalleled in Tennessee. Camped along the bank of the Watauga River, you can visit 18th century re-enactors, demonstrating period skills.
Thanksgiving Garrison at Fort Watauga
Weekend prior to Thanksgiving
Join us as Hardin’s Rangers provide a glimpse into the past with an 18th century harvest celebration at Fort Watauga.
Christmas at the Carter Mansion
First Friday & Saturday in December 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Spend the evening in this 18th century home built on the frontier around 1775 featuring the beautiful interior craftsmanship decorated for Christmas in the style of 1780. Costumed interpreters, candlelight, refreshments, and music highlight the evening.
Christmas Muster at Fort Watauga
First Saturday and Sunday in December 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Ring in the Christmas season with the Company of Overmountain Men as they celebrate with living history demonstrations of the 18th century in the backwoods of Colonial America.
Cherokee Culture and History
Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival
First full weekend in June each year
A two-day celebration of our Native American Heritage. Come and discover the arts, music, dance, crafts, legends and stories of our Native Americans with emphasis on the Cherokee culture. Admissions Charge.
Primitive Skills of our Early Ancestors
Every throw an atlatl? Watch a flint knapping demonstration? Spend a day at Sycamore Shoals and learn more about the people who lived here long before the English settled in the 13 colonies during the 18th century.
The Cherokee Story at Sycamore Shoals – PowerPoint Presentation
A one hour talk on the Cherokee as it relates to the history of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area; their lifestyles, the Transylvania & Watauga Land purchases, and more.
The American Revolution on the Frontier
Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration
Last weekend in September
Join us for an encampment by the Company of Overmountain Men militia before the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780. Live some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution. Call the park for the schedule of events.
Overmountain Victory Trail March
September 25
Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association have recreated the historic march of the Overmountain Men since 1975. This year the marchers will cross the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals, just as the militia did 227 years ago for the muster before they rode to victory at King’s Mountain. Approximate time of crossing the river is 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
Additional information or to Schedule a Program
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
1651 West Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 543-5808