By TriCities.com

Published: June 29, 2009

Rocky Mount will be celebrating our nation’s independence the way it was celebrated in the 1700s.  At 1 p.m. on Saturday, the 4th of July, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence.  Following the militia will shoot a volley using 18th century style flintlock muskets and rifles. 

Throughout the day visitors will be asked to tie a ribbon on the “Liberty Tree.“

Visitors will receive a complementary copy of the Declaration of Independence.  Living History Tours will be given from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tour starting at 4 p.m.  Regular Admission prices apply: $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children aged 5 and over.  All Rocky Mount Historical Association discounts apply.

Starting in 1777, one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Americans started celebrating the Fourth of July.  Parades, fireworks, firing of guns, ringing of bells, decorating with patriotic colors, food and toasts were all parts of the first celebrations.  Before and during the American Revolution, the Sons of Liberty met under an elm tree in Boston, which they called the Liberty Tree.  They protested British Policy, hung banners and lanterns, and assembled to express their views.  News spread of the Boston Liberty Tree throughout the colonies and many towns established their own Sons of Liberty and Liberty trees.  During the British occupation of Boston, British soldiers cut down the Liberty Tree and used it as firewood, knowing it to be a symbol for the patriots.  The Liberty Tree was included on many of the first American flags used during the Revolution.  Rocky Mount will honor the Liberty Trees and the Sons of Liberty by inviting visitors to tie a ribbon to Rocky Mount’s designated Liberty Tree.

About Rocky Mount Museum in Piney Flats
Rocky Mount Museum is a “living history” museum, which uses first-person interpretation to portray people living in 1791. Rocky Mount is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Living History tours and the facility are available by reservation at any time, including Sundays and Mondays for school and other groups, with advance reservations. For more information, call (423) 538-7396 or visit http://www.rockymountmuseum.com.