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