Friends of
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Park

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

    • 11 May 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    Knapping – with a “K”– has nothing to do with sleep!  Knapping is the art of making stone tools.  Watch skilled craftspeople make arrow points, spear points and other early survival tools.  There will also be demonstrations of bow and arrow and atlatl throughout the day.  

    Meet at Fort Watauga.

    • 18 May 2024
    • 19 May 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643

    It is the summer of 1776, and war is raging between the frontier settlers and the native Cherokee. Join us as 200 living history interpreters present this dramatic retelling of the attacks in the Watauga valley and the greater war with Great Britain in the colonies. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle re-enactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see history come to life at the Muster at Fort Watauga. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.

    • 7 Jun 2024
    • 29 Jun 2024
    • 10 sessions
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    The Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee begins its 45th season June 7, 2024 at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN and continues for a four-weekend run beginning each evening at 8:00 in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater.

    Tennessee’s official outdoor drama is presented by a cast of local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. Liberty! portrays the significant history of Sycamore Shoals during the late 18th century.

    The concept of outdoor drama offers a very unique format in which to present a theatrical performance.   Without a doubt, experiencing live theater, beside the cool waters of the Watauga River, with Fort Watauga as the backdrop to the play, is unlike any other.  Theatrical lighting, professional sound, and a host of unexpected effects completely immerse the audience in the lifestyles of the late 18th century.

    As the story unfolds, long hunters and settlers begin leaving the protection of the English Colonies, crossing the Appalachian Mountains in violation of the British Proclamation of 1763.  Historically, along the Watauga Old Fields, families soon made their homes, formed a new government, bought and traded land from the Cherokee, and ultimately, during the American Revolution, fought for the freedom we hold so dear today.

    The series of events that unfolded at Sycamore Shoals were critical to state and national history in the 18th century.  These dramatic chapters in America’s westward expansion set the tone for a number of events that helped propel the British colonies towards independence and a democratic form of government.   These stories are proudly shared with our guests during each performance of Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals.

    The 2024 season will also mark the 14th exciting year for Carter’s Trading Post, a venue named in honor of the original store opened by pioneers Carter and partner William Parker shortly after they arrived on the frontier in 1771.  A fine menu of mouthwatering treats will be offered each evening for Liberty! guests.  During your visit to Sycamore Shoals, please plan the time to visit our new interpretive exhibit which opened in June of 2013.

    Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

    Liberty! runs every weekend in June in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN.

    June 7 - 8, 2024
    June 14 – 15, 2024
    June 20 - 22, 2024
    June 27 - 29, 2024

    Tickets go on sale January 1, 2024 @ https://fssshp.ticketleap.com/

    Performances begin nightly at 8:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM.  Concession stand opens at 7:00 PM.
    Pre-performance announcements start at 7:45 PM.

    For more information, call the Park at (423) 543-5808.

    • 20 Jul 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave. Elizabethton, TN 37643

    By today’s standards information traveled slowly in the 18th century. Be a guest in Fort Watauga as news of Independence finally arrives on the colonial frontier.  What did the early settlers think about a new nation? From fear of war to the hope of a brighter future, walk among historical characters and hear their varied reactions to the Declaration. 

    Meet at Fort Watauga

    • 14 Sep 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    Knapping – with a “K”– has nothing to do with sleep!  Knapping is the art of making stone tools.  Watch skilled craftspeople make arrow points, spear points and other early survival tools.  There will also be demonstrations of bow and arrow and atlatl throughout the day.  

    Meet at Fort Watauga.

    • 14 Sep 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    Join the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution at Fort Watauga in honor of the Overmountain Men and their victory over loyalist forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain. The 244th anniversary of the “Gathering at Sycamore Shoals" will be celebrated with a memorial service and a ceremonial wreath laying.

    Meet at Fort Watauga

    • 21 Sep 2024
    • 22 Sep 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    Join us for a weekend of living history demonstrations at the encampment of the Overmountain militia before the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780.  Live some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution!

    Meet at Fort Watauga

    • 25 Sep 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    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 244 years ago. 
    • 18 Oct 2024
    • 19 Oct 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Sabine Hill State Historic Site, 2328 West G St., Elizabethton, TN 37643

    Visit Sabine Hill State Historic Site during these unique after-hours candlelight tours of the historic Taylor House. Learn about 18th and early 19th century funeral customs, superstitions, mourning attire, funeral food, and much more. Tours are by reservation only and space is limited.

    Admission Charge. Registration opens September 1st. 

    Registration at   https://tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

    • 24 Oct 2024
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643

    Strange things happen around All Hallows Eve, especially at an old fort by the river. But don’t be afraid, Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals isn’t haunted… Or Is It?!?! Join us for an evening of spooky tales that are sure to send a shiver down your spine and tickle your funny bone.

    Please bring your own seat and dress appropriately for the chilly and damp air.

    Meet at Fort Watauga

    • 9 Nov 2024
    • 10 Nov 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    Join the festivities at Fort Watauga as the Washington County Militia gather to celebrate recent victories in the War for Independence and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Enjoy demonstrations of 18th century life and living history presentations.    

    Meet at Fort Watauga

    • 9 Nov 2024
    • 10 Nov 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
    Fall is the time we plan our winter projects and our handmade holiday gifts!  Spend a day visiting our regions finest fiber producers and artists! The day will include workshops, vendors with handmade items for sale, raw fibers, and demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and more!
    • 21 Nov 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643

    Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Board Meeting.


    • 6 Dec 2024
    • 7 Dec 2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Carter Mansion, 1031 Broad St., Elizabethton, TN 37643

    Tennessee’s oldest frame-house takes on a special atmosphere during the holiday season. Step back in time and enjoy learning about the Christmas traditions of Colonial America as you visit the beautiful and historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, decorated with bright greenery for the holidays. Tours are by reservation only and space is limited. Contact the park for more information.

    Admission Charge. Registration opens November 1st.

    Registration at  https://tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Past events

16 Mar 2024 Spring Fibers Show and Sale
25 Feb 2024 Old Time Music Jam
10 Feb 2024 Tunes of the Time
10 Feb 2024 Curator's Corner: Colonial Currency
4 Feb 2024 Historic Games of Chance
3 Feb 2024 "Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals" Auditions
3 Feb 2024 Raised Bed Gardening with Ben Hunter
28 Jan 2024 "Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals" Auditions
14 Dec 2023 A Christmas Carol at Sabine Hill
1 Dec 2023 Christmas at the Carter Mansion
11 Nov 2023 Colonial Harvest Celebration
11 Nov 2023 Fall Fibers Fair
26 Oct 2023 Scary Stories at Fort Watauga
14 Oct 2023 Get Ready for Spring: Winterizing Your Beds with Ben Hunter
7 Oct 2023 Bird Walks with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
6 Oct 2023 28th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show
25 Sep 2023 OVTA Watauga River Crossing
23 Sep 2023 Overmountain Muster at Sycamore Shoals
9 Sep 2023 The Gathering at Sycamore Shoals
9 Sep 2023 Fall Knap-In at Fort Watauga
26 Aug 2023 Cherokee Heritage Day
5 Aug 2023 Fall Gardening with Ben Hunter
5 Aug 2023 20th Annual Elizabethton Butterfly Count
22 Jul 2023 Independence on the Frontier: Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
24 Jun 2023 Workshop: Flint Knapping – Making Stone Tools
2 Jun 2023 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
27 May 2023 Spring Knap-In at Fort Watauga
20 May 2023 Cancelled - 28th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
6 May 2023 Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
22 Apr 2023 Annual Plant Auction
1 Apr 2023 Carter Mansion Celebration
18 Mar 2023 Vegetable Gardening with Ben Hunter
11 Mar 2023 Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale
5 Mar 2023 Traditional Irish Dance Workshop
4 Feb 2023 Liberty Auditions
4 Feb 2023 Raised Bed Gardening with Ben Hunter
29 Jan 2023 Liberty Auditions
22 Jan 2023 Old Time Music Jam - Led by Art Lang
7 Jan 2023 Old Christmas at Fort Watauga
3 Dec 2022 Christmas at the Carter Mansion
17 Nov 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Annual Membership Meeting
17 Nov 2022 Combined Friend's Membership + LIBERTY! 2022 Dinner
12 Nov 2022 Colonial Harvest Celebration
12 Nov 2022 Fall Fibers Fair
27 Oct 2022 Scary Stories at Fort Watauga
20 Oct 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Board Meeting
16 Oct 2022 Small Works Art Show Artist Reception
15 Oct 2022 Small Works Art Show
15 Oct 2022 Get Ready for Spring: Winterizing Your Beds with Ben Hunter
7 Oct 2022 27th Annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show
1 Oct 2022 Bird Walks with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
25 Sep 2022 OVTA Watauga River Crossing
24 Sep 2022 Overmountain Muster at Sycamore Shoals
15 Sep 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
10 Sep 2022 The Gathering at Sycamore Shoals
10 Sep 2022 Fall Knap-In at Fort Watauga
27 Aug 2022 Cherokee Heritage Day
18 Aug 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
6 Aug 2022 19th Annual Elizabethton Butterfly Count
6 Aug 2022 Fall Gardening with Ben Hunter
23 Jul 2022 Canceled - Independence on the Frontier: Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
21 Jul 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
23 Jun 2022 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
18 Jun 2022 Flint Knapping - Making Stone Tools Workshop
16 Jun 2022 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
10 Jun 2022 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
3 Jun 2022 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
21 May 2022 27th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
21 May 2022 Spring Knap-In at Fort Watauga
7 May 2022 Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
23 Apr 2022 ***Canceled*** Annual Plant Auction
21 Apr 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
9 Apr 2022 The Watauga Association 250th Anniversary Celebration
20 Mar 2022 First Day of Spring Hike
20 Mar 2022 Fellowship English Country Dancing
19 Mar 2022 Irish Recipes on the Open Hearth
19 Mar 2022 Vegetable Gardening with Ben Hunter
18 Mar 2022 Full Moon Hike - Watauga Purchase 247th Anniversary
17 Mar 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
12 Mar 2022 Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale
6 Mar 2022 Watauga Valley Art League & Guest Speaker
5 Mar 2022 Weed Wrangle 2022
17 Feb 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
13 Feb 2022 19th Century Dancing
5 Feb 2022 Raised Bed Gardening with Ben Hunter
23 Jan 2022 Old Time Music Jam - Led by Art Lang
23 Jan 2022 Auditions for Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
20 Jan 2022 Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Meeting
16 Jan 2022 Fellowship English Country Dancing
15 Jan 2022 Auditions for Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
8 Jan 2022 Old Christmas at Fort Watauga
28 Aug 2021 Cherokee Heritage Day
24 Jul 2021 Independence on the Frontier: Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
26 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
25 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
24 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
19 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
18 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
17 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
12 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
11 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
5 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
4 Jun 2021 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
16 May 2021 27th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
15 May 2021 27th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
10 Apr 2021 Carter Mansion Celebration and Militia Muster
28 Feb 2021 Liberty! Auditions
27 Feb 2021 Liberty! Auditions
19 Nov 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Annual Membership Meeting
15 Oct 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
17 Sep 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
20 Aug 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
9 Jul 2020 Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals - Canceled for the 2020 Season
18 Jun 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
30 May 2020 30th Annual Native American Festival - Canceled for 2020
21 May 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
16 May 2020 26th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga - Postponed until November 2020
25 Apr 2020 Community Plant Exchange
18 Apr 2020 Annual Plant Auction
16 Apr 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
4 Apr 2020 Carter Mansion Celebration and Militia Muster
28 Mar 2020 Workshop: Watermedia Painting Class
25 Mar 2020 Sabine Hill Guided Tour
21 Mar 2020 Spring Hike
21 Mar 2020 Vegetable Gardening with Ben Hunter
19 Mar 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
18 Mar 2020 Carter Mansion Tour
14 Mar 2020 Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale
11 Mar 2020 Sabine Hill Guided Tour
6 Mar 2020 The Overmountain Institute
4 Mar 2020 Carter Mansion Tour
1 Mar 2020 Watauga Valley Art League Meeting and Program
29 Feb 2020 Auditions for Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
26 Feb 2020 Carter Mansion Tour
23 Feb 2020 Auditions for Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals
20 Feb 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
19 Feb 2020 Sabine Hill Guided Tour
19 Feb 2020 Workshop: Late 18th - mid 19th Century Women's Reticule
16 Feb 2020 An Early 19th Century Formal Sweetheart Tea
14 Feb 2020 Colonial Valentine
12 Feb 2020 Carter Mansion Tour
9 Feb 2020 Watauga Valley Art League Meeting and Program
5 Feb 2020 Sabine Hill Guided Tour
5 Feb 2020 Workshop: Zipper Magic
1 Feb 2020 Workshop: Quill Pens, Writing, and Letter Posting in the early 19th Century
1 Feb 2020 Raised Bed Gardening with Ben Hunter
29 Jan 2020 Carter Mansion Tour
22 Jan 2020 Sabine Hill Tour
22 Jan 2020 Workshop: Basic Sewing - Potholders / Ovenmitt
19 Jan 2020 An Afternoon of Early 19th Century Dance with the Sabine Hill Social Society
16 Jan 2020 Friends of Sycamore Shoals Board Meeting
15 Jan 2020 Carter Mansion Tour
12 Jan 2020 Watauga Valley Art League Meeting and Program
8 Jan 2020 Sabine Hill Tour
8 Jan 2020 Workshop: Hello Sewing Machine
4 Jan 2020 Old Christmas at Fort Watauga
1 Jan 2020 "First Footing" at the Historic John & Landon Carter House
14 Jul 2019 Meet-the-Artist Awards Reception
12 Jul 2019 Summer Art Show at Sycamore Shoals
11 Jul 2019 Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals – Our 41st Year!
29 Jun 2019 Independence on the Frontier: Militia Muster at Fort Watauga
1 Jun 2019 29th Annual Native American Festival
18 May 2019 25th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga
11 May 2019 Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter
27 Apr 2019 Community Plant Exchange
13 Apr 2019 Annual Plant Auction
6 Apr 2019 Carter Mansion Celebration & Militia Muster
8 Mar 2019 The Overmountain Institute
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. P.O. Box 1772, Elizabethton TN 37644-1772
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643
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