Friends of Sycamore Shoals Historic Area upcoming events

Carter Mansion Guided Tours (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Carter Mansion Guided Tours

August 1, 2, 7, 13, 15, 16, 21, 27, 29, & 30

1:30 PM

Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under

Maximum of 12 participants per tour Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings As our nation celebrates 250 years, step inside a tangible link to America’s founding. Take a guided tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house and enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home built by Colonel John Carter between 1775 and 1780. Learn about the historically significant role played by the Carter family in the early settlement of East Tennessee while you appreciate this gem of historic preservation. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Maximum of 12 participants per tour Meet at the Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Cemetery Symbolism (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Cemetery Symbolism

Thursday, August 27 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Cost: $10.00

Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the artwork and symbols on old gravestones? Join Museum Curator Chad Bogart and spend an evening in the burial ground at the historic Carter Mansion. Learn how to translate the language of cemetery symbolism and how these images tell the stories of the deceased. Program will begin at the Carter Mansion Visitor Center and proceed to the cemetery. The Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643

Sabine Hill Guided Tours (28 Aug 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Sabine Hill Guided Tours

August 6, 8, 9, 14, 20, 22, 23, & 28

1:30 PM Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under Maximum of 12 participants per tour Registration required -

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Enjoy a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. Take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

Creek Critter Catchin (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Creek Critter Catchin

Saturday, August 29 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Cost: $5.00

Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Join Ranger Davis for a cool and refreshing walk through the waterways of the Watauga River and discover the different creatures that call it home! Please bring footwear that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy, no flip-flops. You may bring your own catchin’ tools if you’d like. No children younger than 5. Parents who wish to be present but not participate do not need to register. Program will be cancelled in the event of severely inclement weather or abnormally high-water levels. All critters will be released at the end of the program.

Carter Mansion Guided Tours (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Carter Mansion Guided Tours

August 1, 2, 7, 13, 15, 16, 21, 27, 29, & 30

1:30 PM

Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under

Habitat Means Home (29 Aug 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:15:00 GMT

Habitat Means Home

Sat, Aug 29, 2026 at 2:15 PM to] 2:45 PM

Visitors ages 9 and up can join interpreter Kaden Payne for a fun, interactive 30-minute outdoor tracking adventure to discover exactly where the local wildlife "lives" within our park boundaries. Meeting inside the Sycamore Shoals Visitors' Center, we will head outdoors to explore the historic grounds, looking past the trees to find the secret addresses, cozy nests, camouflage hideouts, and complex tree-trunk structures of the animals that call East Tennessee home. You will learn how different species use natural resources to build safe shelters, raise their young, and survive the seasons. Grab your walking shoes and bring water to see how nature designs its unique neighborhoods!

Fashion On The Frontier (30 Aug 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Fashion On The Frontier

Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 1:30 PM to Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM

History buffs of all ages are invited to meet inside the Sycamore Shoals Visitors' Center for an engaging 30-minute exploration of historic clothing with Kaden Payne. You will discover the practical fashion choices of frontier settlements, exploring what men, women, and children wore for daily chores, changing seasons, and safety.

Cost: Free

Carter Mansion Guided Tours (30 Aug 2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Carter Mansion Guided Tours

August 1, 2, 7, 13, 15, 16, 21, 27, 29, & 30

1:30 PM

Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under

Knap-In at Fort Watauga (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Knapping – with a “K”– has nothing to do with sleep! Knapping is the art of making stone tools, and the Knap-In at Fort Watauga is our celebration of Tennessee Archaeology Week. Watch skilled craftspeople make arrowpoints, 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.

Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM to Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Walking in Frontier Footsteps (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Walking in Frontier Footsteps: A guided Tour of Sycamore Shoals

Join Ranger Jason Davis for a special guided interpretive walk through the grounds of Sycamore Shoals and along portions of the walking path. Discover the historical events that took place at Sycamore Shoals and their significance in the formation of our State and Country. Dress appropriately for the weather as we will be taking a casual stroll on the walking path and through the park grounds. Portions of the walk will include ground that may not be flat or solid for people with mobility challenges. Meet in the picnic area adjacent to the Visitors Center.

Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Flint and Steel Fire Starting Demo (13 Sep 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Flint and Steel Fire Starting Demo

Sun, Sep 13, 2026

3:30 PM to 4:00 PM

How would you make a fire without the modern conveniences of a lighter or matches? Join Ranger Jason Davis on the back porch of the Visitor Center to discover the fundamental 18th century skill of flint and steel fire starting.

Overmountain Muster At Sycamore Shoals (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Overmountain Muster At Sycamore Shoals

Experience the incredible story of the Overmountain Men and their historic gathering at Sycamore Shoals prior to the Battle of Kings Mountain in the fall of 1780. Join numerous living history demonstrators, re-enactors, and heritage interpreters as they bring the 18th century frontier to life. Visit the militia encampment and Fort Watauga. Shop with period vendors and enjoy Revolutionary War era tactical demonstrations. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see history come to life during the Overmountain Muster at Sycamore Shoals!

Sat, Sep 19, 10:00 AM -4:00 PM

Sun, Sep 20, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Overmountain Muster At Sycamore Shoals (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Overmountain Muster At Sycamore Shoals

Sat, Sep 19, 10:00 AM -4:00 PM

Sun, Sep 20, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Volunteer Work Day at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TN Serves and National Public Lands Day Volunteer Work Day at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.

Volunteering

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

https://tnstateparksvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1301279

Tue, Sep 22, 2026

Join us at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park as we celebrate America 250 by “Caring for Our Shared America.” As a way to recognize NPLD and participate in the TN Serves initiative, help the staff of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park with cleaning up and maintaining Fort Watauga, our park’s primary interpretive feature. Volunteers will roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and work together to clean out the fort cabins, stabilize the palisade wall, and address other important needs. Bring your family, friends, co-workers, teammates, neighbors, or anyone who enjoys our park and appreciates our unique history. Instructions will be provided to all volunteers that participate, and park staff will be available throughout the morning as well to provide support. Basic supplies will be available for volunteers to use.

Volunteers wishing to participate in this volunteer day on Tuesday, September 22 should plan on arriving at Fort Watauga starting at 9:00 am. The volunteer day will wrap up no later than 12:00 pm, but volunteers are not required to stay the entire morning. It is recommended that you bring bottled water with you to stay hydrated, sunscreen, take breaks as needed, bring gloves and wear appropriate clothing for working outside. If you have any questions regarding this volunteer opportunity please contact Ranger Jason Davis at Jason.c.davis@tn.gov or 423-543-5808.

Details

	Team Size: 2 - 20 members per team
	Register by Sep 22, 2026

OVTA Watauga River Crossing (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

OVTA Watauga River Crossing

Fri, Sep 25, 2026 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association have recreated the historic campaign to King’s Mountain since 1975. On September 25, marchers will cross the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals, just as the Overmountain militia crossed 246 years ago. Event is dependent on river conditions.

Create Your Own Charming Federal Era Reticule (Purse) (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Create Your Own Charming Federal Era Reticule

Sun, Sep 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Dearest reader,

You are most cordially invited to join the esteemed Donna Horowitz for an afternoon of historical sewing and delightful amusement in honor of National Sewing Month! Our project of the day? A most fashionable and historically accurate reticule—or, as we might call it in less refined modern society, a purse. These charming accessories were an absolute necessity for any fashionable lady of the Federal Era. If you have ever admired the elegant ensembles of Bridgerton, Pride & Prejudice, or Sense & Sensibility, you have undoubtedly spotted a reticule or two gracing the arm of society's finest.

Your materials and refreshments shall be provided: Fabric, ribbon, pattern, expert instruction, tea, and refreshments fit for a most delightful afternoon.

However, dear guest, you must bring: Your sewing machine, thread, pins, and scissors.

Feeling particularly fashionable? You are also welcome to bring your own trim or preferred fabric to create a reticule perfectly suited to your personal style. For inspiration, one need only consult the wardrobes of Bridgerton, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, or Sanditon.

For questions regarding this most fashionable affair, please contact Donna at donnasdesigns1@yahoo.com.

A most delightful afternoon of stitches, style, and tea awaits!