Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton boasts a great deal of educational
programming and an on-site museum detailing the region’s history, and in particular, its role in
the establishment of the United States of America. That history comes to life with the Official
Outdoor Drama of Tennessee, known as Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals! This engaging
performance will be enjoying its 46th season this year.
Several nationally significant events occurred at Sycamore Shoals and the Watauga settlement.
The Watauga Association, formed in 1772, was widely recognized as the first continental
government that was “free and independent” of the British Crown. This designation was
recognized by no less than President Theodore Roosevelt. It was designed by leaders to
provide for law and order and the right of every free man to vote. Later, the area was annexed
by North Carolina and became known as the Washington District, named in honor of General
George Washington, who was leading the fight for American Independence at the time.
At this location, in 1775, the Transylvania Purchase was conducted at the Watauga “Old Fields”
where Judge Richard Henderson and other speculators purchased 20 million acres of land from
the Cherokee. This negotiation sparked a series of Cherokee attacks on the pioneers of the
Watauga and surrounding settlements. Later, the purchase was voided, with ample
compensation for Henderson, by the states that gained authority over the land.
Liberty! is set in front of the full-scale replica of Fort Watauga, which was used to defend the
settlement against attacks from a faction of the Cherokee, led by Chief Dragging Canoe, who
opposed the sale. Ultimately, the settlement was successful in staving off the attack and siege
of the fort.
These grounds also served as the gathering place for the Overmountain Men, who were an
essential part of a broader militia that defeated Major Patrick Ferguson and his British force at
the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. That event is often noted as a major turning point for the
American Revolution.
This play covers these critical developments and demonstrates the life of pioneers in a frontier
settlement. Moreover, it gives faces to the names we see on many of our street signs and other
local area designations. For example, we meet John Sevier, who went on to become the first
Governor of Tennessee. We are also introduced to John Carter and his son Landon, both of
whom are reflected in the full name of the Carter Mansion, the oldest frame house in
Tennessee. It’s preserved by the Park and the associated Friends of Sycamore Shoals group,
and open to tours each year from late May through mid-August, Wednesdays through Sundays
at 2 pm, or by appointment. Landon also lent his last name to Carter County.
The amazing strength and skills of the local pioneer women are far from neglected in the drama.
Another character is Mary Patton, who learned the art of manufacturing gun powder from her
father. Her assistance was crucial in the defense of the settlement during the siege. Moreover,
she supplied the Overmountain Men with a minimum of 500 pounds of gunpowder for their foray
into North Carolina.
We also encounter Catherine “Bonnie Kate” Sherrill, a lively lass who was caught outside the
fort during the siege attack, and was rescued by Sevier, whom she later married. While
Tiptonville was the original name of Elizabethton, as part of the State of Franklin, it was later
renamed for Landon’s wife, Elizabeth MacLin Carter, who also appears in the drama.
This is only a partial list of fascinating local contributors to regional and national history, and
putting the play on is quite an undertaking. It features professional lighting and sound, a newly
renovated amphitheater, as well as an all-volunteer cast of nearly 100 local actors in speaking
and extra roles.
Liberty runs weekends the entire month of June, Fridays and Saturdays, June 6, 7, 13, & 14;
Thursdays-Saturdays, June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton, TN (use 1651 West Elk Avenue for GPS
purposes). And, all of this is provided to local residents and area visitors at a most reasonable price
price.
General admission tickets range from Free for children under 5, to $6 for students 6 to 17 years.
$7 for Veterans & First Responders, $12 for seniors 60 and up, and $16 for adults. Support the
park and its programs all year long by becoming a member of the Friends of Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Park. Click here, then present your
membership card at check-in for an $8 admission price. There is a variable minimal processing
fee (less than $1.50) for each admission ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here. Or at the
door.
Veterans and First Responders Night is on Thursday, June 19th, where
Veterans and First Responders are formally thanked for their service
during the show. For this night of special recognition, Veterans, First
Responders and one guest’s admission prices are complimentary. No online
pre-registration is required; simply request a free admission armband at
the park visitors’ center check-in before the show.
Please visit and ‘like’ their Facebook pages at:
LibertyTheSaga and FriendsOfSycamoreShoalsStateHistoricArea
Don’t be one of the many who say, “I’ve heard about it, but never gone.” And, if you’ve seen it,
you’re most welcome to come again. Support your local history educators and preservationists.
Come learn about our history in a fun and entertaining context, and spread the word. We’ll see
you at the Old Fields!