Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Hosts Colonial Harvest Celebration

Celebration and Militia Muster Scheduled for Nov. 16-17

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn.  – Celebrate autumn the way it was celebrated 200 years ago at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area’s Colonial Harvest Celebration and Militia Muster on Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17.

In Colonial America, before Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday, each colony or community observed days of thanksgiving after the harvest was brought in or after a significant military victory. Sycamore Shoals will feature this scene of frontier harvest celebrations, enjoying a time of friendship and thanksgiving, on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is free.

“Bring the entire family to enjoy a day immersed in history and fun,” Park Manager Jennifer Bauer said.

Activities throughout the weekend will include a reading of Colonial Governor Richard Caswell’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, open hearth cooking, flintlock, musket and rifle demonstrations, 18th century artillery demonstrations, a militia drill and training and many more aspects of daily life on the colonial American frontier. In addition, the Washington County Militia will host their monthly militia muster.

Visitors can also experience the new interpretive exhibits at the park, along with the Eastern National Book and Gift Shop.

Tennessee’s 54 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this past year, the Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937. Today, there is a state park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in the state, with features such as pristine natural areas and a variety of lodging and dining choices. For more information about Tennessee State Parks, please visit www.tnstateparks.com or connect via Facebook or Twitter. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call 1-888-867-2757.

Sycamore Shoals State Park and Historic Area attracts more than 305,000 people every year. The 85-acre site sits on the banks of the Watauga River where the Overmountain Men assembled in 1780 before marching to defeat the British in the Battle of Kings Mountain, a turning point in the Revolutionary War.  The park features interpretive exhibits, events, a fitness trail and picnic facilities.  It is located off U.S. Highway 321 in Elizabethton.  For more information about the park, call the park office at (423) 543-5808 or visit http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals.     

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