Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
proudly celebrating Tennessee State Parks 75th Anniversary!
Celebrating Our Stories
Honoring the 75th anniversary of Tennessee State Parks
Thursdays, March 15, June 21, September 20 7 pm
The fascinating stories of Sycamore Shoals will be presented by the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Guest speakers will share early 18th century tales of monumental events that took place on this land, and it’s ultimate designation as a Tennessee State Park on July 2, 1976.
Old Christmas: Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
Saturday, January 7 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, January 8 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Christmas isn’t over yet! European migrants brought Old World holiday traditions to America, from the Dutch Sinter Klaus to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Discover the English, German, Scotch-Irish, and Dutch roots of our modern holiday celebrations.
Living History – Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
Saturday, February 18 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, February 19 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Visit Fort Watauga and step into a colorful Revolutionary world. Re-enactors portray a variety of characters, from hunters and farmers to land speculators and backcountry gentry. Walk among colonists and native peoples who share their past through talks, mini-dramas, and demonstrations of 18th century life.
Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale
Saturday, March 10 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Don’t miss this great opportunity to visit with some of the best weavers of our region! If you love fibers, this is the place for you! Demonstrations include weaving, spinning, knitting, natural dyeing, and more. A variety of handmade items will be offered for sale.
Carter Mansion Celebration & Militia Muster
Saturday, April 14 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, April 15 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join us for two days of history, music, and fun at the Carter Mansion, the oldest frame house in Tennessee. Travel back to the 1770s…the American colonies struggle against Britain, and the Patriot frontiersmen gather together to celebrate Independence. See local craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as natural dyeing and colonial cooking.
Annual Plant Auction
Saturday, April 21 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
An exciting array of unusual ornamental & native perennials, trees and shrubs will be auctioned during this event. A great opportunity to add new species to your landscape! Sponsored by The UT Extension Service, E.Tenn. Nursery Assoc., and the Eliz/Carter Co. Chamber of Commerce.
Community Plant Exchange
Saturday, April 28 9:00 am – 10 am
The front parking lot will be bustling this morning! Bring cuttings and potted outdoor and indoor plants, to exchange for species you don’t have—a fun way to meet other gardeners and increase your collection.
Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Saturday, May 12 8:00 a.m
Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.
Colonial Kids at Fort Watauga
Friday, May 18 Reservations Only!
Families, schools, and home school groups are invited to attend this all-day event for kids ages 8-12. Join the Washington County Militia for a taste of 18th century life: black powder muskets, old-time games, marching drills, tomahawk throwing, Dutch-oven cooking, and a host of other colonial activities. Admission is free and groups are welcome, but space is limited. Reservations are required!
18th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
Saturday & Sunday, May 19 & May 20 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Step back to a vibrant and dangerous time…America declares Independence in the summer of 1776, and people beyond the mountains build forts, stock powder, and sharpen hatchets for the oncoming war. Walk among local legends—the vivacious Bonnie Kate, mysterious Old Abram, dignified Col. Carter, and daring John Sevier—for a glimpse of life on this “dark and bloody ground.” Colonial, native, and British re-enactors share their past through talks, mini-dramas, and demonstrations of 18th century life. Battle re-enactments both days. Contact the park for detailed schedule.
22th Year in 2011! Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival
Saturday & Sunday, June 2 & 3 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
A two-day celebration of our Native American heritage! Award-winning dancers, storytellers, artists, and scholars gather at the circle to share knowledge and demonstrate their skills. Come and discover Native American arts, music, and legends, with an emphasis on the Cherokee culture. Admissions Charge.
Fine Arts Show with the Watauga Valley Art League
June 24 – July 27
Opening Reception: Sunday, June 24 1:30 – 4:00 pm
Stop by the theater at Sycamore Shoals to view the beautiful artwork of the Watauga Valley Art League. Local artists display their talents through the month of July until the 27th.
An 18th Century Independence Celebration & Muster
Saturday June 30 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday July 1 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Experience the 4th of July, 18th century-style! What did colonists think about a new nation? Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence arrives to the colonial frontier. Walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration, from fear of war to the hope of a brighter future. The Celebration will take place on Saturday; the muster will continue until Sunday at 3 pm.
Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals - Our 34th Year!
Thursday – Saturday, July 12 - 14, 19 - 21, & 26 - 28 7:30 pm
Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Bleacher seating is available in the Amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Admissions Charge.
Watauga Valley Art League August Show –
The Canvass Show
Sunday July 29 –August 30 1:30 pm - 4:00pm
Opening Reception: Sunday July 29 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Each year, the August show features a new and intriguing theme. This year’s theme will be any media on canvass. Exhibit can be viewed during regular park hours.
Sunday August 5 9:00 am & 1:00 pm
Meet naturalist Don Holt at Sycamore Shoals for this day-long winged adventure across town. Come for all or part of the day. Sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association & Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. (Rain Date to be announced)
Civil War Camp at the Carter Mansion
Dates and times to be announced.
Step back to the 1860s when East Tennessee was a hotbed of activity during the War Between the States! Visit a Confederate camp and witness Life as it was 150 years ago. Experience the Roar of the Cannon, the Rattle of Muskets, the Smell of the Cook’s Fire, & the Melodies of Camp!
12th Annual Sycamore Shoals Celtic Festival
Friday – Sunday, September 7, 8, 9
Friday Night Torchlight Ceremony 6:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday Night Concert 6:30 pm
Celebrate Appalachia’s Celtic heritage! Opening with a torchlight ceremony Friday Night, Clans and Family Societies will be on hand to help with family history; dance, music, food, vendors, demonstrations, reenactments of 18th & 19th Century heritage, lectures, and a special musical concert on Saturday evening. Admissions Charge.
Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration
Saturday, September 22 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 23 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Join us for an encampment by the Overmountain 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 a schedule of events.
Overmountain Victory Trail March
Tuesday, September 25 2:00 pm (approximate time)
Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association have recreated the historic march to King’s Mountain since 1975. On September 25, marchers will cross the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals, just as the Overmountain militia crossed 232 years ago.
Bird Walks with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
Saturdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 8:00 am
Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.
Fort Watauga Knap-In
Saturday & Sunday, October 6 & 7 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Knapping—with a “K”—has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools, and the Knap-In at Fort Watauga is our celebration of Tennessee Archaeology Week. Watch primitive skills craftsmen make arrowheads, spear points, and other survival tools. There will be demonstrations of primitive tools such as the bow, arrow, and atlatl throughout the day.
18th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 4, 5, 6 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday, October 7 1 pm – 4:30 pm
This four-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display.
Scary Stories at the Carter Mansion
Thursday, October 25 7:30 pm
Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at a 200 year-old mansion. Bring the family and join us for tales of woe and terror, the weird and macabre, with a touch of wit thrown in for good measure. Don’t be afraid, the graveyard at the Carter Mansion isn’t haunted… we think!
Harvest Celebration & Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
Saturday, November 17 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 18 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
It’s a jollification! The Washington County Militia musters its troops for good times and good cheer! Re-enactors in period dress provide demonstrations of old-time skills and scenes from daily life in America’s colonial past.
Winterfest Art Show
Month of December until January 4th
Opening Reception: Sunday, December 2 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Kick off the holidays at Sycamore Shoals! The Watauga Valley Art League exhibition and sale begins with a reception on December 2 with great opportunities for holiday shopping! Artwork from the Watauga Valley Art League will remain on display in the theater and lobby during regular park hours throughout the month of December until January 4th.
Lamplight Christmas Wreath Exhibit
Month of December until January 4th
A visit to the park Visitors Center is sure to inspire as the rooms will be graced with wreaths of all designs and colors hung from old time lampposts. Please contact the park to request a place in this show. Wreaths will be made by community members, civic groups, and schools to bring to life the Christmas spirit of our region.
Christmas at the Carter Mansion
Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Spend a candlelit evening in the oldest frame house in Tennessee, decorated with bright greenery for the holidays. Enjoy music, refreshments, and costumed interpreters acting out scenes from an 18th century Christmas.
Traditional Arts Workshops
January - December Dates and times vary.
Catch this unique opportunity to learn traditional art forms from expert instructors. Pre-registration is required in addition to an instructor and materials fee. Ask for our separate listing!
Shape Note Singing - Led by Don Wiley
3rd Sunday of each Month 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sing the shapes! In this early musical tradition, “shapes” represented each note of the do-re-mi scale. Although many Appalachian frontiersmen could not read, they achieved beautiful four-part harmonies through this simplified method of learning music. We invite you to join “The Old Fields Singers” for an experience you will not forget.
2nd Tuesday of the Month (except December) 9:30 am – 1 pm
This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning. Join us at 9:30 am on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (except December).
January – May & September – November
4th Sunday of the Month 1:30 – 2:30 Autoharp & Dulcimer Beginners
2:30 – 4:00 Open Jam
Start on the basics on Autoharp & Dulcimer, then stick around for the open jam to show off what you’ve learned! Old-time musicians of all instruments and skill levels are welcome to play! This group meets on the 4th Sunday of the month, January through May and September through November.
Saturdays 10:00 am
The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 12 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn. Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
Friends of Sycamore Shoals Meetings
January – December
The Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area sponsors the many events here at the park. If you would like to be a part of what goes on behind the scenes, join us for our meetings! They are open to members, non-members, and prospective members alike. Call the park for meeting times and programs.
History at Home
May - August
A creative mix of historical & natural programs presented throughout the summer by our seasonal interpretive staff. Please call for weekly schedules.
Visitors Center Hours:
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Sunday
Our Visitors Center is closed on most State holidays.
Park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.
For more information contact:
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area
1651 West Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
(423) 543-5808
www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals/