State Parks

A replica of Fort Watauga stands on the grounds of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area

Sycamore Shoals State lator, met with Cherokee Historic Area is located in representatives at Sycamore Elizabethton. The state park Shoals near the present site preserves the history of not of Elizabethton. Henderson only the community but wanted to purchase a tract of events that helped to shape land in what is now Kentucky the state and nation. and Middle Tennessee, where

Sycamore Shoals was the he planned to establish a foursite of the first permanent teenth colony. The venture American settlement outside posed several problems: the of the original 13 colonies Cherokees held the strongest and was the site of the first among competing claims to government formed indepen- the region, and there was no dently of the British crown in guarantee of British recognithe new country. The Watauga Displays in the museum at Sycamore Shoals State tion of the purchase since it Association, the first major- Historic Park share the stories of some of the area’s first represented a violation of the ity-rule system of American residents, including notable figures the Reverend Doak Proclamation of 1763. Neverdemocratic government, was and gunpowder maker Mary Patton. theless, Henderson had spent founded here in 1772. the previous year organizing

Prior to the American the Transylvania Company Revolution, Sycamore Shoals served as the site of the and conducting negotiations with the Cherokees. Four largest private real estate transaction in the history of the days after the conference began, the Cherokees agreed nation — The Transylvania Purchase. to the Sycamore Shoals Treaty, whereby they transferred

The Transylvania Purchase occurred on March 14, 1775, to the Transylvania Company a tract of 20 million acres when Richard Henderson, a North Carolina land specu- lying north of the Cumberland River, southeast of the

Militia members raise a new flag representing America and its states over Fort Watauga during the Independence Celebration. Ohio River, and west of the Cumberland Mountains, with a narrow access route extending from Sycamore Shoals to Cumberland Gap. In exchange, the Cherokees received trade goods valued, according to some scholars, at approximately ten thousand British pounds.

During the American Revolution, Sycamore Shoals served as the mustering point for the Overmountain Men, a militia that formed in the fall of 1780 in response to a threat from British Major Patrick Ferguson. Ferguson had arrived in North Carolina in early September 1780 to recruit troops for the Loyalist militia and protect the flank of British General Lord Charles Cornwallis’ main force. Ferguson issued a challenge to the rebel militias to lay down their arms, or he would cross the mountains and “lay waste to their country with fire and sword.” The Overmountain Men militia gathered in response to Ferguson’s threat and began marching over the mountains. The Overmountain Men defeated Ferguson’s forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain, South Carolina, in a victory that has been called a turning point in the Revolutionary War by many noted historians.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area features a Visitor’s Center with an interactive museum sharing the stories of both the Cherokee who lived here, the settlers who moved here over the mountains, and the significant events that took place here. The park also features a recreation of Fort Watauga, which was constructed on the farm of the Talbott family and used by early settlers to survive raids and sieges by Cherokee warriors during the American Revolution. The grounds of the park feature picnic areas, gardens, and a walking trail that roams through the park and along the banks of the Watauga River. Throughout the year, Sycamore Shoals hosts numerous living history events with a resident group of reenactors who portray life on the American frontier. One of the largest events hosted by the park each year is the annual production of “Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals,” which is performed the last three weekends in July each year. Liberty! is the Official Outdoor Drama of Tennessee and is presented by a volunteer cast and crew to share the stories of Sycamore Shoals, those who lived here, and the events that transpired. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area has two historic homes that serve as satellite campuses for the Park — The Historic John & Landon Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill. These historic homes have been preserved and restored to depict what life was like at different points in the community’s history.

Roan Mountain State Park features thousands of acres dominated by a rich hardwood forest along rugged ridges to accommodate any outdoor enthusiast.

Named the 2016 State Park of the Year by Tennessee State Parks, Roan Mountain State Park offers a variety of activities and lodging opportunities throughout the year. The facility features 30 cabins along with RV and tent camping at the 107 site campground. Each cabin has a front porch with rocking chairs, an outfitted kitchen, full bath, wood burning stove, and gas/electric heat. Each campsite features a grill and picnic table, and is located near a bathhouse with hot showers. Fishing tends to be a popular activity at the park with the majestic Doe River winding its way through the center of the park with a healthy population of trout.

Roan Mountain State Park also features multiple trails to allow the public to enjoy the beauty of wildflowers and other pieces of the environment. The park also offers a variety of activities through the year, including the annual Rhododendron Festival. A pool is also available at the park and is open in the summer.