By TriCities.com

Published: June 29, 2009

Independence on the Frontier is presented at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Johnson City, Tenn. July 4-5.

Join the North Carolina Militia at Fort Watauga and celebrate the beginning of our nation’s independence.

The arrival of the Declaration of Independence at last year’s event

Schedule of Events

S A T U R D A Y,  J U L Y 4th

10:00 – Militia Inspection and raising the colours, Music by the Watuaga Valley Fifes and Drums.
11:00 – Kids Militia: Attention! Boys and girls needed to come to the fort and join the Fort Watauga Militia!  Learn how to be a soldier, then reenact the Battle of King’s Mountain!
12:30 – Bayonet Competition: Militiamen test their skill and aim with this 18th century weapon.
1:00 – Arrival of the Declaration of Independence by courier and public reading, followed by a short celebration.
2:30 - Kids Rubber-band Rifle shoot: Are you a Master Marksman?  Come to the fort and show your skills in this frontier style rubber-band rifle shoot!  Prizes given for the top three places for girls and boys.
3:00 – Frontier Freedom: Watauga settlement leader, John Carter talks about Independence and Freedom on the Colonial frontier!
4:30 – Camps closed to the public.

S U N D A Y,  J U L Y 5th

10:00 – Militia Inspection and raising the colours
11:00 – Frontier Worship Service
1:00 – Fort Tour: Join Jason at the Fort for a tour and discover the rich history of Sycamore Shoals and its role in the formation of our community and country.
2:30 – Tomahawk Throw: Come to the fort and visit with Jason to experience a favorite pastime of the frontiersmen during the Revolution. Both kids and parents will enjoy this program!

For more information please contact Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area at 423-543-5808
The park is located at 1651 W. Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643