9/28/09 Dinner and Story at the Orchard at Altapass

SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Every year, since I can remember, Bill Carson, the proprietor of the Apple Orchard at Altapass, has welcomed the OVTA. Bill provides the marchers with a great supper and then we proceed to tell the Story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain. On the following day we will have hundreds of school students from the surrounding schools come to the Apple Orchard for hiking along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and story telling and a whole lot of educational programming.

Many THANKS to Bill Carson and his staff for all of their support, efforts and did I say great food.

A view of the Orchard at Altapass from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Spruce Pines, NC. This area is where the Patriot Militia had split their forces with Sevier and Shelby's men passing by this spot on their way to Heffiner Gap to drop off of the mountain and rejoin the Virginians near Morganton, NC at Quaker Meadows.

Bill Carson, left, and the Principal of Riverside Elementary School.

Dinner is served and a great meal it always is. This is one thing we never take for granted. The communities along the Trail take great care of the Marchers and we never seem to miss many meals.

Dinner is enjoyed !!!!!

The Story begins with the War comes to the South by David King.

Bill, from Missouri, preparing to give Doaks Sermon. We had OVTA marchers from 11 or so different States join us this year. Some from as far away as Texas and Minnesota.

The Story continues.

The Ladies tell of the experiences of the wives and children during the Campaign.

Steve Ricker closes the Story. To paraphrase him: "We are the keepers of this Story but we did not write it. It was written on October 7, 1780, on a hillside in South Carolina, with the sweat and blood of the men that fought and died there."

The OVTA welcomes any and all that love the history and the story of the men and women that participated in the Campaign and Battle of Kings Mountain. Come join us. You do not have to have an ancestor that fought in the Battle to be a part of this great experience. Nor do you have to dress in period clothes. The OVTA IS WORTH INVESTING IN !!!!!!

A link to the Orchard at Altapass website: http://www.altapassorchard.com/

9-28-09 Robert Sevier Grave Site

September 28, 2009: Hike in to the grave site of Robert Sevier

Robert Sevier was wounded at the Battle of Kings Mountain and was told that if he traveled that he would die within 7-8 days. Sevier stated that with a name like Sevier and if he stayed put and was captured by the British he was as good as dead. So he elected to travel back with the Overmountain Men. Sure enough, on the 7th day he passed away from the wounds he had received on October 7, 1780 at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Where Robert Sevier died was where he was buried. This spot is on private property and the owners of this property allow us to visit the grave site 1 day a year. This year we brought with us some 500 plus 4th grade school students. We hike some 3 miles or so and we told the story of Robert Sevier and the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain as we hiked.




The students gather. They are coming off of the buses for a hike and learning event. We broke up in to 3 groups and each group went down the trail while being told the Story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain.


Hiking the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association while learning the history of the site is a rewarding experience. This experience was enhanced this year with a grant that was awarded to the National Park Service from the National Parks Foundation which was funded by the Coca-Cola Company. The National Park Service partnered with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association to administer the grant funds. We used the grant funds to provide transportation to the schools to get the students to the trail for some hiking and learning. Many thanks to the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, the Coca-Cola Company and the Overmountain Victory Trail Association. This is truly an effort worth investing in. Hip-Hip-Huzza !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Students, teachers and the OVTA hiking the Trail and keeping the STORY alive.

One of the groups stops to hear of the life a Patriot in 1780.

The scenery was grand. This is one of the most picturesque sites along the OVNHT.

After the hike and learning, the kids loaded up on the school buses and had to return to the real world. We trust that fun was had by all and that they will carry a little of the 1780's back with them.

The OVTA is now off to the Orchard at Altapass for an evening program hosted by Bill Carson. Many THANKS to Bill for his efforts and kind assistance.

9-27-09 Carver Gap/Roan Mt Hike

Well, we just got through programming some 300 students in Polk County, NC. Due to the weather we had to go into the school and do our programming instead of hiking down to Alexanders Ford. I will have a post on this soon with pictures.




September 27, 2009: Well due to bad weather on the mountain we split our forces with some of us going up to Yellow Mountain gap from the NC side and seeing if we could get up to the balds where the Patriot Militia mustered on this date in 1780. The Militia encountered snow "shoe mouth deep" on top of the mountain. They also realized that they had 2 deserters that had left them to warn Maj. Patrick Ferguson that the Patriot Militia was in pursuit. The others took the trail more travelled and went up to Carver's Gap. This is about 4 miles from Yellow Mountain Gap, therefore off of the OVNHT but it is a bit safer for those that chose this route. The pictures below show some of the sites at Carver's Gap:







The annual OVTA group shot at the visitors center at Roan Mountain State Park. This not the whole group, some of the others were off site.





The trek up Carver's gap begins in the parking area at the gap. This is Sarah and our youngest recruit, Reece. As you can see we are dressed warmly as you never know what the weather will do at these altitudes.

We proceed up the mountain

Note the clouds and mist in the background. It is also very breezy
At an overlook we spot Tories on the horizon

Reece is on top of the world

We return to base camp to find that the group that took the historic route had a great and safe time. We all came back together and headed down the trail. In 1780 the Patriot Militia camped on the North Carolina side of the Roan Mountain. We travelled on down to camp at Riverside Elementary School and to get ready for our hike, with some 500 plus students, to the grave of Robert Sevier on Monday morning.

9-26-09 The Shelving Rock Campsite event

September 26, 2009, the OVTA traveled to the Shelving Rock campsite. This property is owned by the Tom Burleson family and we are in the process of purchasing the property to protect it. This is one of the last campsites that has been relatively untouched and is much the same as it was in 1780 when the patriot militia camped here on September 26, 1780. It rained then and it rained on us.


Mr. Tom Burleson welcomes the crowd that came for a day of fun and history at the site. Unfortunately the weather hampered the events but not the spirits.
The crowd gathers.

We have a horse shoeing demonstration. At this site, in 1780, was here horses were shod while the Patriot Militia camped. They also placed their gun powder under the shelving rock which is located adjacent to the camp site.
The OVTA prepares to be a part of the festivities. The rain kept coming.

Former State Senator Bob Burleson address' the crowd.

And then the main event, Rep. Phil Roe addressed the group and expressed his appreciation for all of the efforts of the Burleson family, the Roan Mountain Citizens Club, his constituents and the OVTA in working towards keeping the STORY alive through preservation and education.

OVNHT Superintendent Paul Carson congratulates Tom Burleson on getting the Shelving Rock campsite listed on the National Register of Historic places

Part of the OVTA crew.

The event, even hampered by the weather was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Tom Burleson and all of the folks of the Roan Mountain Citizens Club.

9-25-09 Sycamor Shoals program

On September 25th the OVTA programed many of the local schools at Sycamore Shoals in Elizabethton, TN. Many of the school children hiked in via the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and we had the reenactment of the Nolichucky men coming in to the muster under
Robert Sevier and Isac Shelby. They were met by the Virginians under William Campbell.



The Students being sworn in to the Patriot Militia by Capt. John Sawyer.

The students being given a bit of the history and the plans for the day. The plans included stations along the Trail and inside the fort on various aspects of life in 1780.

The Fife and Drum Corp playing period songs for the students.

The Fife and Drum Corp. playing along the palisade of the fort wall.

In come the Virginians for the muster and then to campaign on to the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Students hear the story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain as presented by the Overmountain Victory Trail Association members.

A flintlock firing demonstration Our youngest recruit.
Reverend Doak presenting his fiery sermon


The day was a great one. We were rained on a little but it did not dampen the environment for learning or hiking. Hip- hip-Huzza !!!!!!!!!!!

Many thanks to the Staff at Sycamore Shoals for a great day and to the schools that participated.

Also many thanks to the Coke-A-Cola company and the National Parks Foundation and the National Parks Service for their support. Many thanks to Paul Carson, Superintendent of the OVNHT.

9-26-09 Doaks Sermon at Sycamore Shoals

September 26, 2009:

The Reverend Samuel Doak presented a fiery sermon to the Patriot Militia prior to their departure and search for battle with Major Patrick Ferguson.

This sermon was presented on September 26, 1780 at Fort Watauga at the Sycamore Shoals in the town currently known as Elizabethton, TN. The OVTA has been recreating this sermon at Sycamore Shoals on the 26th of September since 1975.

See a copy of the sermon below.



Patriot militia musters in at Sycamore Shoals to listen to the fiery sermon.


The Reverend George Cobb of Alabama presents Doak's sermon to the troops. He does a great job and every time I hear it it sends shivers up my spine. Kudos to George for the effort he puts in to this presentation.

The Patriot Militia being motivated by Doak's Sermon.

The Reverend finishes with a blaze of glory and with the "SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON."

SAMUEL DOAK'S FAMOUS SERMON AND PRAYER
GIVEN AT SYCAMORE SHOALS MUSTER SEPTEMBER 26, 1780

"My countrymen, you are about to set out on an expedition which is full of hardships and dangers, but one in which the Almighty will attend you.

"The Mother Country has her hands upon you, these American Colonies, and takes that for which our fathers planted their homes in the wilderness‑OUR LIBERTY.

"Taxation without representation and the quartering of soldiers in the homes of our people without their consent are evidence that the Crown of England would take from its American Subjects the last vestige of Freedom.

"Your brethren across the mountains are crying like Macedonia unto your help. God forbid that you shall refuse to hear and answer their call‑but the call of your brethren is not all. The enemy is marching hither to destroy your homes.

"Brave men, you are not unacquainted with battle. Your hands have already been taught to war and your fingers to fight. You have wrested these beautiful valleys of the Holston and Watauga from the savage hand. Will you tarry now until the other enemy carries fire and sword to your very doors? No, it shall not be. Go forth then in the strength of your manhood to the aid of your brethren, the defense of your liberty and the protection of your homes. And may the God of Justice be with you and give you victory."

"Let Us Pray"

"Almighty and gracious God! Thou hast been the refuge and strength of Thy people in all ages. In time of sorest need we have learned to come to Thee‑our Rock and our Fortress. Thou knowest the dangers and snares that surround us on march and in battle.

"Thou knowest the dangers that constantly threaten the humble, but well beloved homes, which Thy servants have left behind them.

Oh, in Thine infinite mercy, save us from the cruel hand of the savage, and of tyrant. Save the unprotected homes while fathers and husbands and sons are far away fighting for freedom and helping the oppressed.

"Thou, who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch, by day and by night, over our loved ones. The helpless woman and little children, we commit to Thy care. Thou wilt not leave them or forsake them in times of loneliness and anxiety and terror.

"Oh, God of Battle, arise in Thy might. Avenge the slaughter of Thy people. Confound those who plot for our destruction. Crown this mighty effort with victory, and smite those who exalt themselves against liberty and justice and truth.

"Help us as good soldiers to wield the SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON." "AMEN".

9-24-09 Rocky Mount Event

September 24th:

The OVTA proceeded to Rocky Mount State Park for an evening candlelight program. Rocky Mount was the home place of Col. William Cobb. Col. Cobb mustered his troops in here and proceeded to join up with the Overmountain Men at Sycamore Shoals.

The program was a great success. Many thanks to the staff at Rocky Mount State Park.


Mike Dahl and Chad Bogart and others plan the evening events.


The program begins:
Richard Luce eating chicken cooked over the fire while others participate in the program.


The program continues.

Mike Dahl finishes the program with great success.

The Overmountain Victory Trail Association continues with the March and we are programming more school kids than ever before. We are planning more and more walking with the kids and teaching them about the history, education and the benefits of walking the trail for physical fitness.

This is a truly a multifaceted year. We have been able to reach out, and bring to the Trail, hundreds, if not thousands more people to the the Trail thanks to the grant we received from the National Park Foundation and funded by the Coca-Cola Company. Many, many thanks for realizing that the OVTA is worth investing in.

On with the March !!!!!!!

9-24-09 Visit to the Pemberton Oak

On September 24th the OVTA made a visit to the Pemberton Oak. Since 1975 the OVTA has visited the Pemberton Oak. Here, under this tree, is where Pemberton's militia mustered in to take part in the campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain. It was under this very tree in 1780 that this event took place.




Unfortunately the Pemberton Oak fell from the weight of its age and all that is left of this stately tree is the huge stump seen below. Even after the loss of the tree, the OVTA continues to visit this picturesque site and a visit with Mrs. Vaughn. This property has been in her family since the 1780's.

Mrs. Vaughn is a gracious lady and always welcomes our visit.

Alan Bowen and Mrs. Vaughn discussing all of the history that has taken place on this site.
The OVTA militia preparing to fire a volley in honor of the history.

Bluff City Winners of the OVTA Art Contest

Bluff City Middle School held an art contest among their students. Students submitted artwork with the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain as its theme.

Students that participated had their art work judged by the nationally known western artist Richard Luce. There were several categories of art and this was truly a learning event.

Below are the winners of the different catagories:

A big Huzza to the art winners and many thanks to Richard Luce.

Bluff City, TN event

On Thursday September 24th the OVTA marched in to Bluff City, TN where we were greeted by hundreds of students from Bluff City Middle School. The students had had the morning filled with demonstrations of colonial life and appeared to have learned a great deal.

The OVTA marchers told the story of the campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain to the throngs students. Parts of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail were walked in the process during the day.

One of the highlights was the art contest. Students that participated had their art work judged by the nationally known western artist Richard Luce. There were several categories of art and this was truly a learning event.

Many Thanks to the Bluff City School system for all of their efforts in putting on a great event.

Students preparing to hear the Story.

Thanks to the Coca-Cola Company for their support in this event and many others along this years campaign.Richard Luce judging the students art work.

One of the proud winners of the art contest.

The story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain being told by members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association.

From here we go to Rocky Mount State Park for a program and more hiking along the Trail.

TO ROCKY MOUNT !!!!!

Greetings again from the Overmountain Victory Trail !!

We finished up a great day yesterday. We programed and walked the Trail at the Orchard at Altapass and at the Joseph McDowell House in Marion, NC. I hope to post pictures from those events soon.

I wanted everyone to see an email I received from one of our visitors on the March:

Here are some pictures of you & your group. I really enjoyed seeing & talking with you folks. History was my major in college and I love it. As I may have mentioned, my G-G Grandpa joined the OMM in NC and fought at Kings Mtn. You folks are doing a great service in educating our children and making making history come alive for everyone. Keep up the good work.

See pictures below that he took at the Sycamore Shoals event:

Thanks for the GREAT input and pictures. GOOD JOB !!!!!!!!!!

Greetings all,

We have been on this years annual March since last Monday and, despite the weather, things have been going very well. I have been remiss about getting things posted on the blog but I hope to catch up soon.

We began with 3 days of school programs at the Muster Ground and Retirement in Abingdon, VA. We programed some 1,200 4th graders during the three day event. Below are just a few pictures of the events we had along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Many miles of trail were walked. The exact numbers will be forth coming.

Kids getting ready to hike the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and learn some of the history of the campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Kids coming off the school buses and being greeted by Mr. Ric

Garrett gives a geography lesson from the 1780's to the group.

I have to go for now. I will let you know more of what has been going on along this years March soon.

Links to 2009 Calendar and March Schedule

Below is the link to the 2009 Calender and full 2009 March Schedule.

This will give you the opportunity to follow us along the Trail, or better yet, join us when you can.

The full schedule has directions to each of our stops for your convenience.

See you on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail !!!

2009 March Calendar.pdf

2009 Full March Schedule.pdf

It's March Time 2009

Below is a summary of what has been going on concerning this years March. This was submitted by Mike Dahl.

All,
Well, it's time. I'll be leaving for Abingdon Sunday about mid day.

Great job to Doug Ledbetter and the Nolichucky Settlement Chapter for their work in preparing for the first ever March of Sevier's route to the muster at Sycamore Shoals.

The communities have done an extraordinary job of preparing what will be the most intensive out-reach OVTA has ever been involved in.

The communities project 5,530 school kids for program attendance for those venues that have been funded by the National Parks Foundation Active Trails Grant. Plus, we may have as many as 2,000 more from venues that were not funded.

We have funded events in 13 of the 15 counties in the Trail corridor. The counties that were not included were Avery and Caldwell where we have no active OVTA people working (at least not yet--I think Avery will be on board by next year).

As of about an hour ago, we have disbursed a total of $37,196.83 of the $50,000 Active Trails Grant to the communities to fund their events.

We have received a total of $4,100 so far in donations that will be used to match the National Parks Foundation. They will match what ever we raise up to $10,000 so we're almost halfway there.

We have $16,903.17 remaining in the grant, plus add in the $4,100 in match we've raised. Those funds are what we will use to plan and conduct the National Trails Day event on June 5, 2010. Paul has already supplied with a list of the 70 miles of trail that are open to the public and walkable that will be the focus of that event.

Alan, Paul, Fran, Marc Bowen, RG and I have served as the grant committee. Hats off to each of the them for making my job of working with the communities as easy as they could. They did good.

There is a whole new energy along the Trail that is born of the opportunities the grant has brought us. I am including an excerpt of an email I received today from Anne Swann who has led the planning for the events at the Joseph McDowell House in Marion on September 29th.

"For many years we have wanted to find some way to make this program work in McDowell County. Seems that we were always "on the edge", but never could quite make it happen. Thanks to you, this year's event will be the biggest and best that we have ever hosted! We expect an enthusiastic crowd of fourth-graders, 16 demonstrators!!
and a lot of tired, but happy, volunteers!"

That's pretty cool isn't it.

I've been getting raffle ticket money in the mail this week. As of today, after making the final bank deposit before the March, we have sold 199 tickets bringing in $716.00 for an average of $3.60 per ticket. Ronnie Lail and Jerry Mustin are the sales leaders up till now.

I've received word that the Muster Ground in Abingdon is still wet and soggy from the deluge they suffered in late July and early August. As a result, we probably won't be able to set up where we usually do. I won't know where to set camp until after I arrive in Abingdon or maybe even on Monday morning. But, as always, we will made do.

Per the board vote last month, I have disbursed the $500 grant from OVTA's general fund to Anna McVey to produce the first trial run (market testing if you will) of the Overmountain Victory Trail Mix. We've kept in touch and she will have the packets with the OVTA logo ready. We decided to hold off on putting the "history card"
inside the packets until National Trails Day. There just wasn't time to get the text written for the cards and the production things that needed to be done.
Hey Gary Werner and Steve Elkinton--How about this for an idea--Overmountain Victory Trail Mix--a healthy mix of fruit and granola in a 2 oz package with that name and our Logo on it. The next phase will have a small card the tells a piece of the story of the Trail in it. The first school to collect all the cards--the
whole story--will win... Cool huh.

Christian Thompson, the grad student from the East Tennessee State University Story Telling program is already at work. He is in Spruce Pine this weekend to work with Bill Carson to take a look at how they conduct their program during the Overmountain Festival at the Mineral Museum.
We paid the university $6,000 out of the Active Trail Grant to cover Christian's time for the fall and winter semesters working 20 hours a week. After the March, he will be working with several communities telling the story of the Trail and doing some training of their own volunteers. Cool, huh.

Heather from the new Chesapeake Bay National Historic Trail will be visiting us in Abingdon. She'll arrive on Sunday evening and leave Tuesday evening. She is coming down to see how Abingdon conducts their education days. She wants to observe on Monday and actually help out in the stations on Tuesday.
We met Heather in Missoula in July at the Partnership for the National Trails System conference. Nice lady. Look forward to doing what we can to give her ideas on how to make her Trail better. First time I recall we've had a visitor from another NHT come look at us. That's pretty cool, and of course Abingdon is the place to come.

Speaking of Abingdon, I have gotten their Model Trail Community plaque made and we will be presenting it to the town leaders on Monday, September 21 at 6PM at the Muster Ground. The first award of its kind. And I can absolutely guarantee that it won't be the last.
I've sent the Model Trail Community strategy out to all the communities leaders we've worked with on the Active Trails Grant. Asked them to compare the events they have planned against the check-list in the strategy to see how much they have accomplished towards completing the Trail in their community by this one endeavor using the Active Trails Grant money. A step at a time folks. And before you know it...

Been working with Paula Messing, she's the part-timer working for Paul on the Trail. She's been the liaison with all the planning and disbursing of funds at Cowpens. Couldn't write them a check directly, so we sent checks to each of the 7 schools covering the cost of transportation so they could come to Education Days at Cowpens.
She will be visiting all the schools that will be part of the Active Trail Grant events and programs before the OVTA Marchers arrive giving them some background and getting them excited about what's coming down the Trail. That way, when we arrive, they'll be ready for us.

Richard Luce, that fine artist friend of ours, will be on the March again this year. He will be judging the art and poster contests at the Active Trails Grant venues. How cool for the kids to have their artwork judged by one of the top historic artist in the county.
Richard will also be doing a station at the programs. His station will focus on how art is used to tell the story of history and actually work with the kids on sketches and building a painting. Now that's cool. Never been done on the March before.

So, Jerry Mustin came over today and we cleaned out the trailer and reloaded it for the March. Took as much out as we could to save weight and space. So the trailers loaded now. I'll start preparing and packing tomorrow. Having had a chance to get my own stuff ready, but I'll get it tomorrow.

So, again. It's time. Been a bunch of work getting ready this year with the Grant and bringing opportunities to several new communities.
To date, I've put in 233.4 hours on the contract implementing the Active Trails Grant. Been worth every minute. I'm sitting here smiling now that everything has come together. Not a single problem that didn't just crumble and disappear.

So, again and again. As Paul Carson has been saying for the past three years now, "This will be the best March ever". Yup. Let me say that again, Yup.

So, again and again and again. Folks, it IS time for the March. It is time to bring the American Spirit home. Get ready, here it comes.


Have a good one,
See you in the spaces between the footsteps,
Mike.

Sept 27: Hiking the Roan

Sept 27, 2008: The OVTA leaves the Shelving Rock for its annual trek up and over the Roan Mountain, following in the footsteps of the Patriot Militia that took this route over the mountain back on this day in 1780.

The Shelving Rock as it is today. This is the location of the Sept 26th campsite. Here the Patriot Militia stored its gunpowder to keep it out of the weather as it was pouring rain when they camped here 228 years ago.

Today's group of OVTA hikers getting ready to head up the Roan Mountain. This is one of the most picturesque hikes along the Trail. I get a sense, when I reach the top, of what those men felt back in 1780. They new that once they crossed over the crest of the mountain and headed down the other side they new they may never return and if they did return, they did not know what they would come back to. British agents had been enticing the Indians to attack the frontier and with the militia gone, would there homes be protected? Also, what if Maj. Patrick Ferguson made good on his threat and came across the Mountains to "lay waste to our fields and farms with fire and sword"?

The OVTA Marchers heading up the Roan. The weather today has been threatening and we fear we may not be able to make it all the way to the crest.
Richard making his way. The incline is getting steeper.

And steeper !!!! But more beautiful with each step.
Steve and Mel take a break at the Lazy boy rock.

The crest is now in the clouds. We will not be able to go much higher for safety concerns.We look like ants on an anthill.

Jerry, Shirley and others on the Roan Mountain

View looking back down into the valley. This was very much like it was in 1780.

THE OVTA, WORTH INVESTING IN

Cloudland Elementary School program Sept 26

September 26, 2008: The OVTA has their first school program at Cloudland Elementary School in Roan Mt. TN. This program was to be held at the Sept 26th campsite at the Shelving Rock but due to rain, we had to present the program at the school.

The Shelving Rock is located on the way to Roan Mountain State Park. The Patriot Militia placed their gunpowder under the Shelving Rock to keep it dry as it was raining when they passed through here September 26, 1780.

Tom Holmes of Flowery Branch, GA begins the program with "The War Comes to the South"

Mike Dahl continues the Story of the Campaign to Kings Mountain.


We take a prisoner along the way.

A great time was had by all and the kids got some education along the way. The Overmountain Victroy National Historic Trail passes right through their community and they know little of the history the Patriot Militia played in procuring our freedom in 1780
On to our campsite at the Shelving Rock.

THE OVTA, WORTH INVESTING IN

September 26: Reverend Doak delivers firey sermon at Sycamore Shoals

On September 26 Reverend Samuel Doak delivered a fiery sermon to the Patriot Milita prior to sending them off on their historic campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain that occurred on October 7, 1780.

The Patriot Militia was heading out on a campaign they did not know if they would return, and if they did return, they did not know what they would find when they got back. British agents had been provoking the Indians to attack the frontier. This was the FRONTIER and many of the able bodied men were leaving to put down the threat of British Major Patrick Ferguson. His threat was that he was going to cross over the mountains, hang the leaders of the overmountain settlements and lay waste to their fields and farms with fire and sword.

These men were leaving their families and homes. They needed support and they got it from Reverend Doak's fiery words.



Reverend George Cobb, who hails from Alabama, delivers Reverend Doak's sermon to the Militia.

The words that set the stage for the militias long campaign and battle. The sermon ends with the words, With the Sword of the Lord and of Gideon.

The OVTA listens to the sermon

The militia prays.

From here the militia heads up the Roan Mountain to cross over the mountain at Yellow Mountain gap.

THE OVTA, WORTH INVESTING IN

Crossing the Watauga in to Sycamore Shoals

September 25, 2008: The OVTA crosses the Watauga River and enters Sycamore Shoals, Elizabethton, TN. just as the Patriot Militia did, on this day, in 1780. They crossed the river coming in from Virginia. Col. William Campbell's Virginia militia consisted of 400 men.

They came to Sycamore Shoals to meet up with militias from the other overmountain settlements to answer the threat of British Major Patric Ferguson which was to cross over the mountains and lay waste, with fire and sword, to their fields and farms.


This was the largest OVTA group to cross the Watauga since the historic 1980 campaign. It was a sight to see.


After marching from Rocky Mount to the town of Watauga, we came to the Watauga River.




The OVTA Militia preparing to enter the river.



Whew!! the waters of the Watauga are cold and DEEP TOO!



The Marchers making it across.



We stop in the middle of the river to fire a ceremonial volley in respect of the crossing on September 25, 1780.

The crowds awaiting on the far side of the river.

The Marchers being helped out of the River. We had a large group at Sycamore Shoals to watch the crossing.

Mike Dahl recognizes Adam as being the youngest to cross the river this year.

We even had spectators hanging from the trees to see this historic recreation.

THE OVTA, WORTH INVESTING IN !!!!!!

Candlelight Tour at Rocky Mount September 25, 2008

September 25, 2008: Rocky Mount State Park hosts a candlelight tour by the OVTA. The OVTA presented a candlelight tour of "The Story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain". Emphasis was place on the TN (then the state of North Carolina) militiamen that mustered in at William Cobb's home place at Rocky Mount. They then marched to the Grand Muster at Sycamore Shoals.

From there this Patriot Militia went on to defeat the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780.


Steve Ricker prepares for the candlelight tour.

The candlelight tour begins with "The War Comes To the South" presented by Tom Holmes and other OVTA members.

Mike Dahl engages the crowd.

Steve Ricker presents the dismay when Ferguson could not be found at Gilberttown. This was a great disappointment to the Patriot Militia. But they would not fail. They would press on and defeat Ferguson at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Paul Carson, superintendent of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, presents the re-certification to the managers of Rocky Mount State Park.

The crowd engages the OVTA to ask questions concerning the part Tennesseans played in the campaign to the BATTLE OF KINGS MOUNTAIN.

Bluff City Middle School Marches in to HISTORY

Bluff City Middle School turned out in force to hear the OVTA present The Story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain. This is important to Bluff City Middle School as the route the Overmountain Men took on this day in 1780 went right through their school. When these students walk the halls of their school, they are walking in the footsteps of HISTORY.

Bluff City Middle School turns out in force to hear the The Story of the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Afterwards the whole school was mustered in and formed up in columns of 4 and marched through town and down to the City Park on the river to participate in the Certification of Choat's Ford.

What a turn out !!!

Some of the students (characters) in my company of militiamen. A good time, and some education, was had by all.

Bluff City Middle School IN THE LEAD as they walk in to history

The OVTA visits the Pemberton Oak

The Pemberton Oak once stood where only the stump remains. This once stately White Oak (Quircus alba) was estimated to be between 500 and 600 years old.

Captain Pemberton mustered his militia under this tree in 1780 and set off to join the growing army that was to muster at Sycamore Shoals (in today's Elizabethton, TN) and then to march over the mountains to ward off the threat of Major Patrick Furgeson and his Tory Army.


The OVTA gather with Mrs. Sue Vaughn at the stump of the Pimberton Oak. Mrs.Vaughn and her family have been the owners if this Oak for many years and has overseen its care. Age finally took its toll on the great oak and it fell in 2002.

The OVTA fire a volley in respect of this great oak and the history it has seen.

Abingdon Schools see the Overmountain Men off

It is September 24th, the day the Overmountain Men left the Muster ground on their campaign to the battle of Kings Mountain.Today Abingdon schools were there to see them off.

The school children had the opportunity to march alongside the Overmoutain men as they set out on their journey.

Abingdon 4th graders muster in and prepare to begin the march to the Battle if Kings Mountain

The school children march off with the Overmountain Men as the 2 week journey begins.

Alas, it is time for them to waive goodbye to their heroes.

Many thanks to the city of Abingdon and the surrounding school systems for making the past 3 days possible. It has been quite an educational experience for one thousand plus students.

Now on to Bluff City. The Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain has just begun. We will not stop until we catch up with Major Patrick Furgeson and his Tory Army and defeat them.

Washington Co. VA 4th graders come to the Muster Ground

What a day! We had a bunch of 4th graders hear the Story of the Campaign to the Battle at Kings Mountain. They met up with us at the Muster Ground in Abingdon, VA.

The Muster Ground is the location where, in 1780, the Washington County Militia was called to answer the threat of Major Patrick Furgeson and his Tory army. They had threatened to cross the mountains, hang the leaders of the Overmountain settlements and lay waste to their fields and farms with fire and sword.

The Washington County 4th graders arrive. They are an army unto themselves.

Anticipating the gun firing. Look at their faces !!

Home schoolers are welcome also

Ring toss. It is harder than it looks.

Nothing better than dancing to the music.

Artie O'Neal making fire with flint and steel. Look at the faces studying his work. Looking for that spark and glow of red.

Lorraine and Lee give instruction on Rev War games

Enjoying the Rev War era music. This station is really enjoyed. Ryan, Dakota and Bill did a great job

Look at the determination on this guys face as he is trying his hand at bayonet drill. That apple is mighty small. Good job !!!!

Washington Co. Va 4th graders testing theirskills with a Revolution War era game

Tomorrow we head sown the Trail where we will be stopping by the Pemberton Oak and then move on to Bluff City where we will be presenting a program to the schools there.

From there we will be doing a program at Choat's Ford and then on to Rocky Mount for a dedication and candlelight tour program. Check our web site for our schedule and come join us.

The OVTA and the Town of Abingdon have School Programs at the Muster Ground

I am making this entry into the Blog as I smell the campfire smoke and the sun has long since set. It is late and I am entering this by candlelight, in camp, so my spelling and grammer may be a bit weak.

Today we had visitors from Castewood East school from Russell County, Chilhowie school from Smyth County, Sullins and St. Mary's schools from Bristol, VA. and Temple Christian from Abingdon, VA.

The pictures below are just a few from today. I hope they give the reader a sense of the value and fun that these programs bring to the children that participated. Our goal is Keeping The Story of our revolutionary ancestors alive so that we will always appreciate and honor their efforts.

The program begins

Bayonetting the apple

Teaching

Story Telling

Gilford County Fife and Drum Corp

OVNHT Superintendant Paul Carson presents badges to Boy Scouts

One happy fellow

The OVTA arrives at the Muster Ground in Abingdon, VA

The OVTA has started arriving at the Muster Ground in Abingdon, VA to start the annual campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain. We will have 2 days of school programming on the 22nd and 23rd. On the 24th we set out to find Maj. Patrick Furgeson and his Tory army.

The OVTA's life line. We purchased this trailor to allow us to carry all of our program materials along the Trail. It is well used and another reason the OVTA is worth investing in.