The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is committed to principles of equal opportunity, equal access, and affirmative action. For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation EEO/AA Coordinator at 615-532-0001 or the ADA Coordinator at 615-532-0059. Hearing-impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service at 800-848-0298.

Tennessee Department of Environment andConservation authorization no. 327152, 20,000 copies. This public document was promulgated at a cost of .06 per copy, July 2019.

Hours of OperationVisitor’s Center and Museum

9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Mon. - Sat. 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM - Sun.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park1651 W. Elk Ave.

Elizabethton, TN 37643Office: 423-543-5808

Tennessee State ParksWilliam R. Snodgrass TN Tower

312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 2nd FloorNashville, TN 37243

888-867-2757

www.tnstateparks.com

S Y C A M O R E S H O A L SS T A T E H I S T O R I C P A R K

T E N N E S S E E

DirectionsSycamore Shoals State Historic Park is locatedin Carter County on U.S. Hwy 321/TN 67 in Elizabethton. Situated on the Watauga River, the 70 acre area is 30 miles from I-81. From Exit 57 on I-81, take I-26 into Johnson City to Exit 24. Then take Hwy 321/67, traveling approximately six miles into Elizabethton. Sycamore Shoals is on the left.

www.tnstateparks.com

Get InvolvedThe Friends of Sycamore Shoals and volunteers assist in protecting, andpreserving the cultural and natural resources of Sycamore Shoals. They do this by giving of their time and talents to ensure the park’s integrity for future generations to enjoy. It’s easy to show your support – join the Friends of Sycamore Shoals atwww.friendsofsycamoreshoals.org

To learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area, please visit www.tnstateparks.com.

Nearby Attractions• Historic Covered Bridge: Elizabethton - 3 miles• Cherokee National Forest - 15 miles• Jonesborough: “Tennessee’s Oldest Town” - 15 miles

Nearby State Parks• Warriors’ Path State Park - 25 miles• Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park - 29 miles• Roan Mountain State Park - 32 miles• Rocky Fork State Park - 33 miles

Annual Events• Each Saturday: Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps• January: Old Christmas• January-December: Traditional Arts Workshops• January-December: Musters and Living History Weekends• Fourth Sunday Each Month: Old Time Music Jam• March: Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale • April: Carter Mansion Celebration and Muster• May: Siege at Fort Watauga• Late May-June: Native American Festival• Last Weekend in June: 18th Century Independence Celebration• June-August: History at Home• July: “Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals”• September: Fort Watauga Knap-In• September: Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration• October: Sycamore Stitchers Quilt Show • October: Scary Stories at Fort Watauga• November: Autumn Heritage Celebration• December: Christmas at the Carter Mansion

Picnic Pavilions There are three accessible picnic shelters that can be reserved for your next event. Picnic shelters can be reserved online up to one year in advance.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is one of the most historically significant sites in Tennessee, playing a pivotal role in not only Tennessee history, but in the American Revolution. Sycamore Shoals was part of the earliest settlement outside the 13 original English colonies. It was here that the Watauga Association, the first majority-rule system of American democratic government, was formed in 1772 when settlers elected five of their number to ‘govern and direct for the common good of all the people.’ Other nationally significant events for this site include the Transylvania Purchase in 1775 and the Muster of the Overmountain Men during the American Revolution in 1780. Today, this historic site, preserved as a Tennessee State Park, invites visitors to relive history and enjoy a variety of historical, cultural and recreational experiences.

FacilitiesA spacious visitor’s center houses theinterpretive museum and theater, park offices, a gift shop and bookstore. The Gathering Place Community Room is available for rent. A reconstructed replica of Fort Watauga, based on historical and archaeological research, stands behind the visitor’s center, near the Watauga River. Furnished cabins and structures demonstrate 18th century life on the frontier.

Outdoor AttractionsOutdoor attractions include our Tennessee Urban Forestry certified arboretum and North American Butterfly Association Monarch Waystation.

HikingSycamore Shoals offers 2.3 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate.

Sabine HillArchitectural historians consider Sabine Hill to be one of the finest examples of wood framed Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. The home was built circa 1818 by Mary Patton Taylor, the widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. During his life, Nathaniel Taylor rose to prominence in both civil and military affairs. The house was restored by the Tennessee Historical Commission and opened in November, 2017. Tours are given by reservation throughout the year. Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street in Elizabethton.

Fort Watauga AmphitheaterA 400-seat amphitheater is located adjacent to the fort and is the site of the presentation of the official outdoor drama of the State of Tennessee. “Liberty: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals” is performed each July.

MuseumBe sure to take in the interpretive museum that shares the nationally significant history of the late 18th century at Sycamore Shoals. The exhibits include striking murals created from original art by Richard Luce and realistic mannequins dressed in handmade attire and accoutrements of this era. Three dimensional exhibits and dioramas completely immerse the guest in the lifestyles and ways of those who first settled along the Watauga River valley. Walking into a re-creation of Fort Watauga guarantees some surprises, coupled with audio stories and sounds shared along the journey. All of the major historical events come together in Patriots Theater, where our film, “Sycamore Shoals: Story of the American Spirit,” honors thecontributions, actions, and culture of the people who came before us.

The Carter MansionBuilt between 1775-1780, the Carter Mansion may be the only remaining direct link to the Watauga Association and is the oldest frame house still standing in Tennessee. John Carter and his son, Landon, built the home. The finely detailed interior and over mantle paintings place the mansion among the most significant historic houses in the state. When Tennessee became a state in 1796, Carter County was named for Landon Carter, and the county seat, Elizabethton, was named for his wife, Elizabeth Maclin Carter. The Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street in Elizabethton.

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This brochure is funded in part through the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program, administered bythe Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation,Recreation Educational Services Division, Greenways and Trails Program.

The information on this map has been compiled by TDEC/StateParks staff from a variety of sources and is subject to change without notice. TDEC/State Parks makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied as to accuracy, completeness,timeliness, or rights to the use of such information.This document is not intended for use as a survey product.TDEC/State Parks shall not be liable for any general, special,indirect, incidental or consequential damages including but not limited to: lost revenues or lost profits resulting from the use ormisuse of the information contained on this map.Any sale of this map or information on this map is prohibitedexcept by written permission of TDEC/State Parks.

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