Liberty!

Those who expect to reap the blessings of liberty must undergo the fatigues of supporting it. 
--Thomas Paine (1737-1809) English-American political activist, philosopher, author, political theorist and revolutionary.

Had a wonderful time shooting the final performance of "Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals" this weekend. As always, I was impressed with the dedication, professionalism and talent of the performers in their reenactment of the settling of this region. Click here for more photos.

To learn more about the drama and how to get involved in next year's performance, click here.

Liberty!

 

 

Each July for the last 35 years, the Friends of Sycamore Shoals have entertained audiences and kept history alive with the performance of "Liberty!: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals." From their website: "Tennessee's official outdoor drama is presented against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic battle of King's Mountain." Local wedding photographer Michael Kaal and I set out to capture the event, taking 'behind the scenes' photos as well as many of the performance itself. Watch the video above to see our work. I was struck by the dedication and professionalism of the volunteer cast and crew. Their passion for our region's history and for liberty is infectious. It was great to see so many young people take part in the production of this kind.  Thanks to everyone involved!

 

Old Christmas at Fort Watauga

At Sycamore Shoals this weekend there is a reenactment of "Old Christmas" at Fort Watauga. In addition reenacting old Christmas traditions, there are crafts and demonstrations of military skirmishes and drills. Click here for today's schedule. To purchase prints of any of the photos you see, go to http://www.markwpeacock.com/ (clicking on "gallery" and then "area events")

A grateful heart

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert

On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.
~William Jennings Bryan

[Happy Thanksgiving! This photo was taken last weekend at Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals Park in Elizabethton, TN where they reenacted a 18th century Thanksgiving meal.]

The Skirmish at Zollicoffer

If you've never been to a Civil War Reenactment, it's something I really recommend you check out. The photo above is from my first visit to a reenactment last November. It made me reflect on our great national tragedy, on the sacrifices made to preserve this Union and abolish slavery, and it made me aware and appreciate that there are lots of passionate, dedicated folks who have made it their life's mission to bring history to life and to preserve our national memory. The reenactment, known as the Skirmish at Zollicoffer, takes place near Bluff City, TN usually in the beginning of November each year.

Exchange Place

This weekend is the 35th Fall Folk Arts Festival at the Exchange Place in Kingsport, TN. Located on the grounds of a 1850s farm, the festival features traditional crafts, demonstrations, living-history reenactments, horse rides, and all sorts of other activities. Today is the final day (Noon to 5 pm) - Admission is only $1!

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Exchange Place is a restored farm complex of ten buildings including the main house, schoolroom, smokehouse, kitchen, store and blacksmith shop. The narrow gravel lane running through the property is the original "Old Stage Road," which ran from Virginia to Knoxville. The farm's name derives from its function as a stagecoach stop where horses and state currencies were exchanged. It's open seasonally (May thru October) with limited regular hours: Saturday and Sundays 2pm to 4:30pm. Check their website for upcoming special events for Halloween and Christmas.

Directions: From John B. Dennis Highway (Highway 93), take the Orebank Road exit and travel east (away from town) 1 1/2 miles - the Exchange Place will be on your left. Click here for map.

Liberty!

Each July at Sycamore Shoals in Elizabethton, TN the excellent outdoor drama "Liberty!" takes place.  The size of the cast and their dedication and professionalism is so impressive. "Liberty!" tells the story (actually many stories) of Fort Watauga during the Revolutionary War period. Click here and here for more information.

These photos are from the 2013 performance of Liberty.

Click here to see photos from another reenactment, "Muster at Fort Watauga."

Under Siege!

 This was the scene yesterday at Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals in Elizabethton, TN. The 14th annual reenactment of late 1700s frontier life, depicted actual skirmishes and events that took place at the Fort in July of 1776 when the fort was attacked by British and Native American forces. The actors who took part do such a great job of re-creating not only the battles, but also daily life inside the fort.

Click here to see photos from the outdoor drama "Liberty!"