Join Us
Become a part of American History. Join the muster and learn how life was lived during the 1700's. We will post more information here about how you can get involved and participate in our reenactment events as well as ongoing opportunities.
In the meantime, if you would like to contact us about
participation.
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Upcoming Large Events
May 18-20 Spring Muster
Nov16-18 Fall Muster
At their muster Davidson's Fort. a replica colonial fort of the
American Revolution will present historical interpreters and
re-enactors.
Directions
From the West on
I-40 — Take exit 72 and follow Hwy 70. At the stop light turn
right, cross the RR and make a left at water street and the
Mountain Gateway Museum. Take the next left, then the next right
and follow the road to the fort on your left. From the East on
I-40 — Take exit 73, turn right at the bottom of the ramp turn
right on Water St make your next left, then right and follow the
road to the fort on your left. |
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Davidson's Fort
A
living history site dedicated to telling the true
story of the families of Western North Carolina
during the 18th Century and the American Revolution.
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About Us
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Davidson’s
Fort (1776)
A Living
History Site in Old Fort, NC
A North
Carolina militia fort guarding against Cherokee Attacks.
By the mid 1700's, European settlers had come
into the Catawba Valley. In 1763, the British made a treaty with
the Cherokee Nation agreeing that Europeans would not settle west of
the Blue Ridge Mountains; nonetheless, in the early to mid 1770's
several settler families -- among them the brothers John, Samuel,
William and George Davidson -- took up land in what is now McDowell
County, including the present site of Old Fort. The summer of 1776
saw an increase in Cherokee violence against settlers, and, as a
result, a small fort was constructed on land acquired by the
Davidsons at the headwaters of the Catawba River. Built by North
Carolina militia soldiers, it was called Davidson’s Fort and was
continually garrisoned by militia troops for the protection of North
Carolina’s far-western settlements. Davidson’s Fort was the final
departure point for some 2700 militia troops led by General Griffith
Rutherford as they began a campaign into Cherokee territory in the
fall of 1776.
Walk in the footsteps of our colonial ancestors.
It is 1776 and for the next 20 years, you stand at the westernmost
outpost of present day North Carolina, and just over the hill, the
Cherokee have sided with the British. You live close to the fort
built by the North Carolina Militia because the Cherokee stage raids
on you and your neighbors. Stand and watch 2,700 militiamen led by
General Griffith Rutherford bivouac around Davidson’s Fort before
they set out and march up the valley along the Catawba River and the
Catawba Falls to attack the Cherokee Nation.
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Davidson's Fort Historic Park Mission
Tourism is one of the state's largest industries, generating more than $15.4 billion per year. Travel and tourism is the business to be in. This vast industry is on a fast growth track that impacts every industry segment. For Americans, this means more and better travel products. For American communities, this means increased jobs and revenue. What are the benefits of cultural heritage tourism? Studies have consistently shown that cultural heritage travelers stay longer and spend more money than other kinds of travelers. Good cultural heritage tourism improves the quality of life for residents as well as serving visitors. The members and volunteers of Davidson's Fort Historic Park pledge to accomplish their goals and objectives and state as a group;
We will preserve, conserve, protect and interpret the rich history, natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of western North Carolina for local residents, tourists and school-aged children particularly, the impact of the Fort during and after the American Revolution.
We will provide an educational venue interpreting the lifestyle and events of early settlers and Native Americans during the early pioneer era and the Revolutionary War era in and around the former Davidson's Fort and western North Carolina.
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We will offer a site that visitors can experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.
We will aid the Superintendent of the McDowell School Board with a hands-on teaching tool for young people.
We will provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment, Senator Joe Sam Queen is working towards achieving the inclusion of Davidson�s Fort in a proposed national trail, Rutherford Trace. Rutherford Trace starts at Davidson's Fort which his men originally built in 1776 and travels throughout western North Carolina.
We will provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of cultural and heritage tourism in Old Fort and McDowell County.
We will support community and economic development efforts with a main focus on the cultural and heritage tourism in Old Fort and McDowell County
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From the West on I-40. Exit 72 and follow Hwy 70. At the light
turn right, cross the RR, left at Water Street, make your next left
and then the next right and follow the road to the fort on your
left.
From the East on I-40. Exit 73, turn right at the end of the
ramp then turn right on Water Street. Make your next left, then
right and follow the road to the fort on your left.
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