May at Sycamore Shoals brings spring events

ELIZABETHTON — Spring has come to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and with it comes even more activities and events scheduled for the month of May. Things get started quickly this week, with guided tours of the historic houses - the Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill, which are associated with the park and with another session of English country dancing on Sunday. The Carter Mansion is Tennessee's oldest frame house, and like the nation, the house is also celebrating 250 years of existence right now. The house was built by John and Landon Carter, leaders of the Watauga settlements, during the period of 1775-1780. By contrast, Sabine Hill was built after the second war of American Independence, known as the War of 1812. It was built by Mary Patton Taylor, the widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor, who defended Mobile while Andrew Jackson defended New Orleans during the British Invasion from the Gulf of Mexico in 1814-1815. The first tour of the month to the Carter Mansion will be on May 1. The first tour of Sabine Hill will be on May 2. Other tours of the Carter Mansion during the month will be on May 7, 9, 10, 15, 21, 23, 23, and 29. Other tours of Sabine Hill in May will take place on May 3, 8, 14, 22, 28, 30 and 31. All tours of the two houses will begin at 1:30 p.m. The cost of admission to each tour is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, 65 and older, $8 for veterans and active military; and $5 for children 17 and under. Preregistration for the tours and other events at the park is required, which may be done online along with online payment at www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals. English Country Dancing will take place on Sunday, May 3 in the Visitor Center Gathering Room at the park. Admission is free and the event will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Beginners and seasoned dancers are welcome to come and learn early 19th century dances. The dances are open to anyone, with or without experience or partners. It is sponsored by the Savine Hill Social Society. On Thursday, May 7 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield will lead an evening of traditional storytelling around a campfire. Admission to the event is $10 and registration is required, which may be done at the above link. The stories will include Cherokee legends and Appalachian folklore, providing the guests with humor, wisdom and maybe a spook or two. For something special and unique on Mother's Day, the park is offering a soap-making workshop on Saturday, May 9, from 10-11 a.m. The cost is $30 and registration is required, which may be done at the above link. Park Ranger Jason Davis will be showing how to make your own soap. All the supplies needed for hot process soap making are included for the participant to make four 3-ounce bars of soap. Each soap produced may be customized with various colors and essential oils. Everyone may take home their soap molds so that the skills learned may be replicated at home in the future. This workshop is best suited for teens and adults, as the group will be working with hot liquids. The Spring Muster at Fort Watauga will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission both days. Step back in time as the members of the Washington County Militia living history organization gathers at Fort Watauga to demonstrate various skills, trades and other aspects of daily life on the colonial frontier. The Useful Plants of Appalachia Hike will be led by Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield on Tuesday, May 19 from 6-7 p.m. Admission is $5 and registration is required. Both may be completed at the above link. Moorefield will lead the group on a walk through the park grounds and trails to see and learn about useful plants and trees. From the weeds in your yard to towering tulip poplars, and deep forest species, the group will learn how Cherokee and the Watauga settlers made natural medicines and nutritious meals from the wild flora of the region. This program is suitable for participants of all ages. The group will meet behind the visitor center at the bottom of the ramp. The last week of May always brings the Memorial Day observances. This year's observance at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is highlighted by the "American Salute" Memorial Day Concert and Program, which is free and will be presented at the Fort Watauga amphitheater on May 25 at the Fort Watauga Amphitheater. The Memorial Day event features the Johnson City Community Concert Band. In addition to the concert, a special ceremony will recognize those who have fallen in the ultimate sacrifice to the nation. In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the Elizabethton High School gymnasium.