Take a step back in time at Fort Loudoun State Park Historic Area’s Garrison Weekend on March 13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and March 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. blending both family fun and educational opportunities. The event is free and open to the public.
“We have exciting opportunities for all ages and we encourage everyone to come out and help us kick off the 2010 season,” said Park Manager Jeff Wells.
The Garrison Weekend begins with a “roll call,” summoning re-enactment soldiers to their posts just as it would have been done 250 years ago. Throughout the day, costumed living history re-enactors will go about their garrison duties, while taking time to interact with visitors. Demonstrations of both crafts and skills will also be conducted, including cooking, laundering, blacksmithing and artillery drills.
Park visitors will get to see an 18th Century infirmary, as well as soldiers’ barracks, the commander’s quarters and a Cherokee encampment.
The Visitor Center and Museum at Fort Loudoun will be open both days throughout the program. Visitors can watch a short film on the history of Fort Loudoun and view some of the artifacts recovered from the historic site. The Fort’s gift shop and bookstore also will be open for visitors to find that unique souvenir.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area is a 1,200-acre site on the location of one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier, built in 1756. Nearby were the principal towns of the Cherokee Nation including Tenase, namesake of our state, and Tuskegee, birthplace of Sequoyah. Today the fort and the 1794 Tellico Blockhouse overlook TVA’s Tellico Reservoir and the Appalachian Mountains and are located one mile off Highway 411 on Highway 360 in Vonore.
For more information about the park or a complete schedule of events for the Living History 2010, please contact the Fort Loudoun State Historic Area office at (423) 884-6217 or visit the Web site at: www.fortloudoun.com.