Independence events set this weekend at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

By Staff Reports

Step back in time 236 years to a colorful revolutionary world and witness life as it was on the 18th 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 a guest to Fort Watauga, visitors 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.

As part of the weekend’s activities a very special ceremony will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Tennessee Society Sons of the Revolution will hold a bell ringing in honor of the 13 colonies inside Fort Watauga at the park. Each colony will be called out and the bell rung in their honor. The Watauga Valley Fife and Drum will then play a short tribute to each colony.

Get an early start on Independence celebrations and bring the entire family out for a weekend full of history, patriotism, education, and family fun. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton. For more information about this event or others, contact the park at 543-5808 or log on to www.sycamoreshoalstn.org and www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals

The schedule begins this Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Militia Inspection, raising the colors. An artillery drill and demonstration is scheduled at 11 a.m. Children can participate in the kids militia event scheduled at noon on Saturday. The Washington County Militia is participating with kids. At 1 p.m., the Declaration of Independence will arrive at Sycamore Shoals State Park. The document will arrive by courier and a public reading will be followed by a short celebration.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Tennessee’s official State Bell Ringing is scheduled: Join the Sons of the Revolution as they honor the 13 original colonies. Musical honors will be provided by the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums. Another artillery drill and demonstration will begin at 3 p.m. Events will end Saturday at 4 p.m. with the retiring of the colors. The camps will close to the public at that time.

Festivities will restart on Sunday at 10 a.m. with the Militia Inspection, raising of the colors. A worship service is planned for Sunday at 11 a.m. A special ladies tea is planned for noon on Sunday. Join the ladies of the settlement and defy crown law with a “Liberty Tea.” Learn about the famous Edenton Tea Party of 1774

The kids militia will return at 1 p.m. with the Washington County Militia. An artillery drill and demonstration is planned Sunday at 2 p.m. and events will conclude at 3 p.m. with the retiring of the colors.

For more information, call 543-5808.