The 17^th Annual Overmountain Victory Celebration

In the fall of 1780, the people of this continent were locked in a desperate struggle for independence from Great Britain.  After many severe setbacks to the Patriot cause, the people of these mountains turned the tide of the war and set this great nation on the road to victory and independence.  The Overmountain Men came from the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.  After camping at Gillespie Gap in September of 1780, they marched onto Kings Mountain and defeated Ferguson. 

In honor of the 228^th anniversary of Kings Mountain, the 17^th annual Overmountain Victory Celebration will be held September 11 thru September 14, 2008 at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals on the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 331). This celebration highlights the Revolutionary War story of the Overmountain Men and their famous victory at King’s Mountain, South Carolina.

The Overmountain Victory Celebration begins with two days dedicated to special demonstrations for hundreds of area school children on September 11 and 12.  During this time, children will witness history firsthand and experience life as it existed during the Revolutionary War.  Reservations are required for this part of the event.

A special invitation to home school groups is being extended for Saturday September 13^th and no reservations are required for Saturday.

The following lists of activities are open to the general public:

September 12:

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.            Candlelight Tours - Meet at the museum for a ranger guided walk by                                                                      candlelight through the military camps. Walks last approximately 40 minutes.                                                        The last tour leaves at 9:00 p.m.

September 13:

9:00 a.m.                      Posting of Colours

9:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.         Special presentations and craft demonstrations will be held throughout the day.

10:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.        Firing demonstrations by Revolutionary War reenactors will be held every hour on the hour.

3:00 p.m.                      Battle re-enactment at the Orchard at Altapass                                                   

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.            Candlelight Tours - Meet at the museum for a ranger guided walk by                                                                      candlelight through the military camps. Walks last approximately 40 minutes.                                                        The last tour leaves at 9:00 p.m.

September 14:

9:45 - 10:30 a.m.           Posting of Colours & Drumhead Service - The event will conclude with a                                                     depiction of a period church service on the grounds of the museum.