Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, October 8 from 10-1PM as we explore the American Revolutionary War in WNC with a guided hike.

Many of us are probably at least somewhat familiar with the 1780 battle at Kings Mountain, as well as the legendary “Overmountain Men” who marched across WNC in search of the British Major Patrick Ferguson. The early settlers of WNC were not all in support of the American side, however. Sizeable numbers of Loyalists also inhabited the region and fought at Kings Mountain against their neighbors and many residents were also effectively neutral or pragmatic in their loyalties and actions. This hike will explore the war and the contentious climate in the backcountry and mountains, tracing part of the route taken by the Overmountain Men as they pursued Ferguson at a critical moment in their quest.

Details:

When: Saturday, October 8

Time: 10AM – 1PM

Meet: 9:45AM at Gray’s Chapel, Grays Chapel Church Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (adjacent to the trail entrance)

Hike Length: approximately 2.5 miles round trip (easy-moderate difficulty)

What to Bring: Water, snacks/bagged lunch, comfortable and sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothing, any needed medications.

Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled. The alternate rain date will be rescheduled promptly.

Tickets: $5 WNCHA Members/$10 general admission. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.

Emergency Contact Form: Registrants must fill out the emergency contact form in advance. https://forms.gle/D23ossL1qyqUd2fk7

Hike Leader: Trevor Freeman is a western North Carolina native and alumnus of Appalachian State University and East Carolina University, where he holds an MA in American History. He has worked or interned in several parks and battlefield sites including Chimney Rock State Park and Cowpens National Battlefield He is now the public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association based in Asheville. His research interests include the American Revolution as well as Appalachian and environmental history. His 2020 MA thesis focuses on the service and lives of North Carolina’s 460+ identified African American or Black soldiers in the American Revolutionary War.

Covid Precautions:

• Please do not attend if you feel unwell or have been exposed to someone with Covid
• Social distancing is recommended when hiking and when the group is stopped

For questions, please contact Trevor Freeman at [email protected]

(Image: The Green River at Alexander’s Ford in the Bradley Nature Preserve)