A Volunteer Effort – the Unrelenting Pursuit of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail 1974-1980

“The trail you have just covered is now in the national consciousness of Americans. I salute your hearty witness to history.”

– Cecil Andrus, Secretary of the Interior, at Kings Mountain National Military Park addressing marchers of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, 1980 Bicentenary Ceremony

Special Silver Anniversary Report

1980-2005

Researched and written by Randell Jones, past president, Overmountain Victory Trail Association, Inc.

March 2005

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 1 Resources

Interviews: Senator James T. Broyhill - October 14, 2004 Harry J. Smith—October 20, 2004 Borden Mace - December 14, 2004 Gary Everhardt– January 20, 2005

Newspapers: Photograph quality: Winston-Salem Journal All photographs were copied from Charlotte Observer microfilm, the only source available. The Shelby Daily Star Some pictures are poor quality; still, Johnson City Press-Chronicle most serve adequately to illustrate the Watauga Democrat activity and persons originally United Press International photographed.—RJ The News Herald (Morganton)

Permissions: Each newspaper granted permission for one-time use of its respective photo- graphs for the educational purposes of the National Park Service stipulating that the name of the newspaper and in some cases the name of the photogra- pher be cited.

Acknowledgments: I wish to thank the National Park Service and in particular Paul Carson, Superintendent, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail for championing this project to document the early history of the OVNHT on the occasion of the Trail’s 25th anniversary in 2005. I thank each of the persons interviewed for his enthusiastic participation. I thank the individual newspapers for their willingness to permit reproduction of these old photographs; and, I thank the libraries who have archived these newspapers on microfilm for their assistance during my research. Most of all, I thank the modern patriots who thought the story of the Overmountain Men of 1780 was worth telling and worked tirelessly in the unrelenting pursuit of Congressional designation for the Trail.

I remain your most humble and obedient servant,

— Randell Jones, past president, OVTA

This document was published by the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, a part of the National Park System, Paul Carson, Superintendent, 2005

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 2 www.NPS.gov/ovvi Executive Summary

he Overmountain Victory National Organizers continued with succeeding annual Historic Trail was created from the marches of the Overmountain Victory Trail. In T efforts of thousands of people across five 1976, citizens petitioned US states. From 1974 into 1980, they organized Representative James T. Broyhill to pursue commemorative marches and pursued Congressional designation of the trail as a Congressional designation for the Trail. The effort National Historic Trail. Marches in 1977, 1978 began in Boone, NC at the Appalachian and 1979 kept the dream alive and became an Consortium in 1974 as executive director Borden expected part of the annual celebrations at Mace collaborated with local writer and history Kings Mountain National Military Park. In the buff, Rip Collins. After they enthused others about late 1970s, citizens formed the Overmountain the commemorative march, a group of volunteers Victory Trail Association (chartered January set off on September 26, 1975 from Sycamore 1979) and elected Rip Collins its first president. Shoals in Elizabethton, TN. They were committed to walking the historic route of the Overmountain In September 1980, President Jimmy Carter Men of 1780 all the way to Kings Mountain signed into law Congressman Broyhill’s bill thus National Military Park in and York securing for the historic counties, SC, some 130 miles away. Along with route the long-sought others who joined them on the way, the marchers designation as the arrived as planned on October 7. On the final day Overmountain Victory of this successful, first-year walk, the marchers National Historic Trail. were greeted in Kings Mountain, NC by Vice Marches have continued annually for 30 years. ● President Nelson Rockefeller.

Background map from 1976 OVT brochure. Maps by Dan Stilwell, faculty, Appalachian State University. Copy courtesy of Harry Keiner, Ph.D., C.A., University Archivist, ASU

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 3 “V for Victory. T for Trail.” Symbol drawn by Warren Dennis. from 1976 OVT brochure Bright’s Trace in Avery County, NC from 1976 OVT brochure

Cover and map from 1976 OVT brochure Courtesy of Harry Keiner, Ph.D., C.A., University Archivist Appalachian State University

Frank Norville, resident of Rutherford Co., NC, points toward Cane Creek for deputy trail marshal Fred Burgin from Samuel Andrew’s homesite.

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 4 www.NPS.gov/ovvi Preface

he was a pivotal event in frontier where land was affordable and they could America’s War for Independence. For many imagine and work for a future free of the impositions of T historians, its importance cannot be overestimated. an unreasonable and unhelpful government. So, when Years after the battle, no less than President Thomas the call came to defend their homes, the women helped Jefferson called it the “turning of the tide” in the country’s prepare and the men mounted their horses and rode fight for freedom. Senator James T. Broyhill, a longtime over the mountains, along valleys, up and down creeks, Trail champion and student of the American Revolution, across hundreds of miles of forest which could have says this: “If it had not been for the Battle of Kings secreted their enemy at every turn. These volunteer Mountain, there would have been no . militiamen without a Regular American officer or Without the Battle of Cowpens, there would have been no soldier among them doggedly pursued Ferguson and his Battle of Guilford Courthouse, and without the Battle of army of American Loyalists. At the last, this Patriot Guilford Courthouse, there would have been no Battle of militia, by then numbering about 2,000, sent 900 of its Yorktown at which Cornwallis surrendered to force forward on a midnight ride through a cold Washington.” The senator’s words clearly reveal the chain October rain for some 35 miles. They encircled the of critical events that led from the victory at Kings would-be conqueror on a promontory known then as Mountain to the establishment of the of Little Kings Mountain. The battle lasted but one hour, America as a free and independent nation. (Notably, yet the effects of that encounter have been felt for 225 Senator Broyhill, then a Congressman from North years. Carolina, is also the person who introduced the bill to Congress in 1977 to acquire designation for the The battle itself has been commemorated and honored Overmountain Victory Trail as a National Historic Trail in over the years. The site has been made a National 1980.) Military Park and deservedly so. But, as America’s Bicentennial celebration approached, a group of The Battle of Kings Mountain, of course, would not have ordinary citizens, without any state, local, or federal occurred had not the “backwater” militiamen of Virginia, government support set out to commemorate another North Carolina (including today’s ), Georgia and part of the Kings Mountain story—the heroic campaign mustered to the call to defend their to that battle, the gathering of militia from across the homeland against an army threatening to invade. “If you do and mountain regions and their two week not desist your opposition to the British Arms,” declared trek and unrelenting pursuit of Major Major Patrick Ferguson, “I shall march this army over the and his army. It is this part of the story which inspired mountains, hang your leaders and lay your country waste these modern-day American Patriots to mark the route with fire and sword.” The citizens rallied; men and women and annually reenact the campaign to the Battle of prepared for battle, but for a battle on their own terms. Kings Mountain. Today that route is known as the These were ordinary citizens making their lives on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. ●

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 5 Introduction about the Overmountain Men of 1780 everyone as “Rip.” He had an ear for and their heroic crossing of Roan history and an eye for places he Mountain through Yellow Mountain thought ought to be preserved. Rip he first march of the Gap in pursuit of Major Patrick was an experienced outdoorsman and Overmountain Victory Trail Ferguson. I was already familiar with a former scout executive; he operated T was held in 1975. Since that parts of the story as were many an outfitter store between Boone and time, the campaign to the Battle of people from this area, but one thing Blowing Rock. He sold maps, Kings Mountain has been led to another and before we knew it, backpacks, canoes, and all the goods commemorated annually for 30 years we were sitting an avid explorer would need by citizens volunteering to walk along there talking about to venture confidently into the historic route, striving to keep conducting a the highland wilderness of alive the memory of these American commemorative Tennessee and North Patriot heroes. Today that route is march from Carolina. At his store is known as the Overmountain Victory to where he first met Harry J. National Historic Trail; but, that Kings Mountain, Smith. honorable designation was not always the whole 150 assured, though from the beginning miles. “I was a salesman at the that was clearly the desire of the time,” recalled Smith, organizers. “I had a little “calling on the staff of

discretionary school cafeterias and selling This is the story of the six-year money in the them equipment. One of my effort to create a living memorial to Consortium’s Yellow Mountain Gap Road is customers was Margaret the Patriot militiamen of 1780 and budget, so I recognized for its history. Collins. In passing one day to secure Congressional designa- thought it would she told me a little about her tion of the Overmountain Victory be interesting to print some husband’s plans for some sort of long National Historic Trail. broadsides on parchment-like paper. distance hike. I went to see him at his Broadsides were an important means store. It sounded interesting.” Whereas and Therefore of official communication to the public in the 1700’s, so I thought it Harry J. Smith hails from Laurel he idea for a commemorative would be interesting to use them here. Bloomery, Tennessee which, he is T march rose up just like that army The idea was to post them quick to point out, is the eastern-most of militiamen did in 1780; and, once it throughout communities along the post office in Tennessee. “And a was mustered, it took on a life of its historic route to make people aware bloomery, as I have found hardly own. In a 2004 interview, Borden of our plans to hold this anyone knows,” Smith added, “is an Mace, executive director of the commemorative march. The message old, British term for an iron forge. It Appalachian Consortium from 1972 started off with a series of some has nothing to do with blooming to 1978, recalled how the dozen ‘whereas-es’ and some facts laurels. I fool a lot of people on that commemorative march of the from Draper’s book. It included a one.” Smith was the Grand Marshal Overmountain Victory Trail began. refernce to Thomas Jefferson’s of the commemorative march in statement that the Battle of Kings 1976, during America’s Bicentennial “The idea bubbled up in a Mountain was the ‘turning of the celebration. He is the only surviving conversation I was having with Rip tide” in America’s fight for grand marshal from the years before Collins. He had written an article independence. Then it finished with a the Trail was so designated by about Bright’s Trace for the big ‘therefore, let it be known.’ It Congress. Consortium’s newsletter. He was sounded official and historic. Anyway, quite interested in the work our group they were posted mostly on bulletin “When I first met Rip,” recalled was doing to help promote boards in libraries and courthouses, Smith, “I listened to him describe his including its heritage and though in the spirit of things, I’m sure plans for this commemorative march its natural attractions. We were in my a few, like the ones nailed to trees 200 and what he had already put together. office on the Appalachian State years ago, were tacked to a telephone At the time, I had a group of about 20 campus in Boone talking about his pole or two.” kids who were part of a mountain recent piece of writing when he said, rescue team. These were Explorer ‘You know, there’s more to the story Scouts that I’d led as scout master about that stretch of trail than we’ve Let’er Rip since they had been younger; but, said here.’ Then Rip began to talk Robert L. Collins was known to most (Continued on page 7)

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 6 www.NPS.gov/ovvi when they got to be 15 and 16, I told recognition for this history on the something really special to call them they were going to have to get Tennessee side, but he had not had attention to the historic event and tougher. We did cross-country much luck. After I explained to him their desire to have it commemorated orienteering and some off-road what we were doing, he said, ‘It’s as an official trail. As in 1780, when rescue. These kids were good. When been in my head all along.’ Tom and the need arose, the volunteers Rip heard me talk about them, he his wife, Alma, joined in the effort. appeared. looked me straight in the eye and said, They wanted this march to be a ‘Well, Harry, you’re now the safety success as much as anyone.” Audie Rogers of Candler, North marshal,’ and that was that.” Carolina donated a 200-year-old South Appalachian hunting horn to Rip Collins started researching the Hail to the Chief the effort. (Some accounts say 100- detailed history of the Overmountain “In our conversations,” Mace year-old; others, 150-years-old.) Bob Men and their 1780 campaign in continued in his reflections, “we Harman of Blowing Rock donated a pursuit of the Loyalists under Major realized we needed to have something 150-year-old Bible which Collins later Patrick Ferguson. Using the published extra to get the media attention that described as “old as the story of the records and accounts, in particular would help create a successful march battle.” (Again, some accounts say the Lyman C. Draper’s Kings Mountain and and help drive our effort to get the Bible was 200-years-old.) These two Its Heroes, Collins located all the trail recognized by Congress. I made a antiques were carried along the entire campsites and set up a schedule for a call to the White House and explained route and passed from county marshal commemorative march that would what we to county marshal. They put the walkers in the historic spots were doing. were to be presented to on the historic dates. It would start at I then sent President Ford at Kings Sycamore Shoals on September 26 a letter and end at Kings Mountain National inviting Military Park on October 7, twelve President days and about 150 miles later. Gerald Ford to “He was a master at organization,” come greet recalled Smith. “He had everything the worked out on paper in great detail. marchers.” He organized a network of marshals all along the way. Each was appointed Unknown by the local Bicentennial commission to Mace, and each was responsible for the US march in his respective county. Rip Collins wrote an article for The State in June had groups lined up, such as DAR Representative 1975 promoting the planned commemora- chapters and volunteer fire James T. Broyhill tive march. departments, to feed us along the way; had already invited he had a radio station ready to meet Gerald Ford to come greet the Mountain. The hunting horn, expertly us on the trail. He even located hot marchers in Kings Mountain, North sounded by Bob Harman, signaled the showers for the women who might be Carolina as part of that community’s start of the march at Sycamore Shoals walking. He had a job for everyone, celebration of its centennial and was used every day during the too, even an Entertainment Marshal. anniversary. Broyhill and Ford had march to muster the marchers to That was Bob Harman, an served together in Congress and were action. Along with these items a scroll accomplished dulcimer player. Rip’s friends. “Gerald had just been made was carried along the route. Mace, level of planning was impressive.” vice president in 1974 when I Collins, and Smith prepared the scroll presented him a letter of invitation in Mace’s office at Appalachian State “Rip knew that this couldn’t just be a from John Henry Moss, mayor of University. Every county marshal North Carolina effort,” continued Kings Mountain,” recalled Broyhill. signed it in succession with the Smith. “He needed someone involved “When he became President, I called expectation of adding the President’s from Tennessee. That’s when he sent and asked if he still planned to join us. signature at Kings Mountain. me to meet with Tom Gray. Tom was He said he would come.” another champion of the story of the Overmountain Men and he had a With the President invited, the march reputation for it. He’d been working organizers decided to create for years to get some sort of (Continued on page 8) Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 7 Mustering the Marchers segments of the route now stands To help promote the commemorative “Local Marshals in Avery, a good chance of being preserved, march, Collins wrote an article about Mitchell, McDowell, Burke, as a part of what the local Bright’s Trace, Yellow Mountain Gap, Rutherford and Polk counties, historians have agreed to and the historic event for The State North Carolina are designate . . . the ‘Overmountain magazine published in North authenticating, mapping and Victory Trail.’” Carolina. That article appeared in the marking the route and arly on Friday morning, June 1975 issue. At the end of the campgrounds. The Consortium is E September 26, 1975, the article, Collins announced plans for printing a map brochure which marchers gathered on the grounds of the march: details the dates and locations. A the Franklin Club in Elizabethton, trail marker and a woven design Tennessee in sight of Sycamore “For years a number of have been created and are being Shoals on the . Playing individuals such as Judge Ben prepared. the roll of a pioneer clergyman, Frank Allen of Elizabethton, Tenn., Dr. Donoho, a student at Washington Emmett White of Burke County, “The eventual goal of the College Academy, delivered for the N.C. and Prof. Bobby Moss of hundreds now working on the modern marchers the historic prayer Limestone College in Gaffney, preservation and recognition of offered in 1780 by Reverend Samuel S.C. have walked, mapped and the trail is that by the 200th Doak for the benefit of the mustered talked of properly marking and anniversary date of the actual militiamen. Both the historic and the commemorating the route march and victory this route will contemporary blessings ended with followed by the 18th Century be declared to be a National the spirited phrase that became a backwoodsmen. Historic Trail. battle cry in 1780: “The Sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.” “Individually each segment and “Bright’s Trace which crosses the each state involved in the 130 spectacular Yellow Mountain Gap The Elizabethton High School Band mile trail was isolated. There played for the occasion and color seemed to be no cohesive factor. 1975 guards were provided by Veterans of With the coming of the Foreign Wars, Army National Guard, Bicentennial and a group – The First Step Johnson City Marine Corps Reserves, headquartered in Boone, known and Junior ROTC. One estimate as the Appalachian Consortium, suggests perhaps 400 people attended the possibility of an interstate at an elevation of almost a mile the send-off ceremony. coordination was recognized. above sea level, along with Yellow Mountain Road and all the other At about 10 o’clock, Bob Harman “A framework committee of ‘trail blew on the hunting horn and the first marshals’ has been appointed by -ever commemorative march of the Bicentennial commissions along Overmountain Victory Trail began. the route of the march. A Not far from the starting point, the reenactment of this significant marchers proceeded along Gap Creek event will take place in September Road to the local school where a new and October of this year with Rip monument was dedicated. Collins, of Boone, acting as the Grand Marshal. Getting in the Spirit Tom Gray was the marshal for Carter “Originating on the Watauga County, Tennessee. While he was River on September 25th in talking up the local history of Fort Tennessee’s Carter County, each Watauga and the Overmountain Men succeeding county will provide “Bob Harman of Blowing Rock, N.C., at Gap Creek Elementary School one leadership and participants for the sounds the horn at Sycamore Shoals this day, he got the students excited about reenactment on successive morning signaling the beginning of a march the commemorative march. As along the historic Overmountain Victory anniversary days of the original Trail from Sycamore Shoals to Yellow Moun- reported in the Johnson-City Press march until it terminates at Kings tain Gap in North Carolina. With Harman, left Chronicle by Kay Wilkins, a long-time to right are Tom Gray and Rip Collins, who Mountain in York and Cherokee is holding a Bible which, along with the 150- and avid supporter of the OVT, they counties, South Carolina on year-old horn, will be presented to President (Continued on page 9) October 7, 1975. Ford at the conclusion of the hike.” Photo by Herchel Ornduff, Johnson City Press-Chronicle, Sept. 1975.

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 8 www.NPS.gov/ovvi decided to build a monument because Historic Trail is a combination of At the top of the mountain, at historic their school was on the historic route; walking and riding in vehicles for a Yellow Mountain Gap, the Carter but, they didn’t have much time. “The number of reasons, including arriving County marchers met the county easy part was getting a couple of bags in time to participate in scheduled marshal for Avery County, North of mortar mix,” said Robert Clark, a dedication ceremonies in various Carolina and his group of marchers. fifth- and sixth-grade teacher, “but communities. But in the hard part was gathering the 1975 (and ignoring the rocks.” Students carried rocks from a fact that the historic dry creek bed behind the school to militiamen were the roadside where custodian Bill mounted and covering this route on horseback), the organizers planned for participants to walk the entire way. As a consequence, safety was a priority.

“For the most part, we were walking down the road, “continued Smith. “Lou Bonds talks with R. Ivey Moore, an old-timer who is “I had these young men, traveling with the Overmountain Men.” the Watauga Mountain Staff photo by Charlie Buchanan, Winston-Salem Journal, Sept. 29, 1975 Rescue Squad, in uniforms with white They had lunch together and passed “Gap Creek students view monument after helmets on. We put some in front the horn, the Bible and the scroll ceremony.” Staff photo, Johnson City Press-Chronicle, with flags to watch for cars and we along to the new contingent of put some in back in an old marchers. Some of the Lyons volunteered his masonry skills. `53 Dodge Power Wagon to Carter County group Without time to engrave a plaque, a help keep the traffic off our returned home, but some, poster greeted the first group of group of marchers. The those planning to go all the marchers in 1975. They stopped to truck also served as a ‘sag way to Kings Mountain, dedicate the monument and to praise wagon’ for those who got continued on. the patriotic spirit of the students. tired of walking.” The children joined in the march for a Fort Defiance mile before returning to their school. The marchers camped that While some of the marchers The following year, the first Gap first night in a field just past were making their way over Creek School monument was Shelving Rock along the This caricature of the mountains, another dismantled and reconstructed to Doe River. The Lou Bonds accompanied each group mustered at Fort accommodate a sizable plaque Roan Mountain story he wrote from Defiance in Wilkes County, donated by the Tennessee Ruritans the first march, North Carolina. The 1780 Society, Sons of the Revolution. provided battle was fought by a militia This time Lyons laid the barbecue and entertained contingent combined, in part, from foundation for the new the marchers with those mustered at Sycamore Shoals monument and Larry Honeycutt , some of and those mustered from the Carolina laid the stones. It was which the marchers Piedmont. The 1975 commemorative completed just in time for the provided themselves. The march included citizens from both 1976 Bicentennial next day they walked up areas as well. commemorative march. Sugar Hollow and climbed through the On Sunday, September 28, Fort woods on a steep path to Defiance hosted a gathering to honor Rising to the Yellow Mountain Gap their pioneer ancestors. Attending Occasion where they crossed the that event were a handful of hikers Appalachian Trail. By who planned to walk the historic Today, the annual then, the ranks of commemorative march of the This map showed route through Lenoir and onto the daily progress marchers had thinned Overmountain Victory National of Bonds and the some to only a hardy few. (Continued on page 10) marchers in 1975.

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 9 Morganton. There they would meet the marchers. The folklore class of the marchers coming over the East Burke High School wrote an mountains at historic Quaker original composition for the occasion, Meadows. One of the Wilkes County and the Freedom High School Chorus marchers was R. Ivey Moore, fourth- sang an original ballad. (See grand nephew of and a Appendix.) Other festivities included man proud to say he was the oldest muzzle-loader firing demonstrations, Eagle Scout at age 73. Moore, a square-dancing and , and a longtime “mountain man” from blue grass concert. North Wilkesboro planned to make it all the way to Kings Mountain, but he Burke County trail marshal Bob expected to ride much of the way. Benner, dressed in buckskin, invited members of the community to join Another walker originating at Fort them on the march south. On the Defiance was Lou Bonds, a staff “Bob Benner marking Victory Trail following morning as they left reporter for the Winston-Salem Journal. route.” News Herald, Sept. 26, 1975 Morganton at 8:15, they were joined His assignment was to join in the hike by a group of 300 elementary school to Kings Mountain and to send back Havnaer (or Haigler) of Hudson. It children and their teachers. daily reports from the trail. His series was formed like the Bennington Flag of journal entries appeared daily from with 13 red and white stripes, 13 stars “I remember as we were leaving September 29 through October 8, and a prominent “76” centered in the Morganton,” recalled Harry Smith, each recounting the events of the blue field. [Note: Flag historians “we were heading down Highway 64. previous day. As he wrote on that first believe this flag design dates from the It was not a safe place to be walking, day, the other walkers planning to War of 1812, and included the “76” to what with big trucks flying by us all hike the whole way were Boy Scouts, arouse the American people against the time, and we had a pretty big ages 13 and 14, about a dozen years the British once again.] crowd out there. Somebody pulled up his junior. The “through hikers” were in a pick-up with a load of cold drinks a young crowd, but as he reported in the back and stopped right in the later others joined them along the The next day, the marchers on the middle of the road. We had people way. eastern leg made their swarming all over it. It was enough to way south toward give a safety marshal fits.” The Wilkes- Morganton. Meanwhile, (Continued on page 11) Caldwell Burke County trail marchers marshal Bob Benner had (sometimes been busy marking the called the overland trail from the Wilkes-Surry McDowell-Burke county marchers) left line at NC 105 to Fort Defiance Morganton. On at 10 a.m. and September 30, the two arrived in groups of marchers Lenoir for a arrived at the Burke parade that County Fairgrounds afternoon. which lay on part of the Lenoir was the site of the McDowell site of Fort plantation at Quaker Crider where Meadows. All totaled, the historic the commemorative militiamen “Overmountain Men approach the marchers numbered 13, camped. In the crest of a hill on N.C. 18 near Morgan- six from Tennessee and ton.” Staff Photo by Hobart Jones, Winston-Salem 20th Century, Journal, Oct. 2, 1975 seven from North the site of Fort Carolina. Crider became the site of Lenoir High School. The celebrants feasted on a Grand Marshal Collins addressed the “Marshall Bachelor, one of the crowd of 2,000 who gathered to greet younger Overmountain Men, rides on 156-pound cake created by Ruth the shoulders of W.B. Stronach.”

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 10 www.NPS.gov/ovvi President Ford’s attendance at Kings been left for them. Unfortunately Over the following days, the official Mountain was in question. He had, some bees had been first to find this marchers hiked, after all, in September fruit, but the children dove into the walked, shuffled, and suffered the indignation apples anyway. As Bonds described it, eventually stumbled of two assassination “The next half mile was covered in a their way toward attempts. His handlers matter of seconds.” Eventually, the Kings Mountain as were not letting him out marchers reached the Rutherford their legs and bodies of Washington. He County line and the students returned began to tire from offered in his stead a visit to school. the relentless by Vice President Nelson plodding along hard A. Rockefeller. That night at the community center pavement. The near Andrews Plantation, the weather was One Step at a marchers got out the dulcimers, the generally , and the again. The cooperative, Time community treated them to a meal according to Bonds, Though tired and and a square dance, though many of but on the days sometimes disappointed the marchers were too tired to high “Resting at Quaker Meadows during the walk, the when the historic Near Morganton . . .Randall step much; but, on request, R. Ivey militia men had rain, Horney, Dennis Kline, Ricky marchers made their own Moore danced his famous jig and Thomas” Photo by Harold Warren, fun along the way. Bonds so did the Charlotte Observer, Oct. 6, 1975 some in the group competed in a commemorative recounted that on the day turkey shoot. Those attending got a marchers. they remained in camp to match the lesson in firearms and learned about history, he sat around with Ivey the differences between muskets and Moore and Immo Vourinen, a rifles and why each was preferred by Rocky for Ford Finnish exchange student who had To complement their aching bodies, those who used them. Meanwhile joined the group in Lenoir. They back at the campsite, some Girl the marchers’ fragile psyches were talked about moonshine and beset by a string of disappointments. Scouts had arrived and built a revenuers, about curing hams the old campfire for the marchers. Soon In Morganton, Senator Sam Irvin had way, about eating liver mush and been expected for a celebration at the enough, according to Bonds, those where to find the world’s best apple crafty girls had his young Boy Scout fairgrounds, but he was unable to butter. In the evening, the musicians attend. The radio station that was walking companions busily hunting in the group played their hearts out. and hauling in firewood to keep that lined up didn’t follow through, But the fall nights were not always because “we didn’t know if you’d fire going. cooperative and one cold night, the really be there,” they said. And the players could only get through rumors began to circulate that The following day, the march two songs before their fingers lost (Continued on page 12) their feeling.

The next day the marchers were joined by another band of school children, sixth graders, who delighted in the cross- country hike their teachers had not been expecting. Following the historic route off road, the marchers helped the students jump, wade, and splash across two creeks and stumble through thick underbrush they joked must not have been trod through since the ONE LAST TIME—Overmountain Victory Trail Overmountain Men rode there “minstrel” Bob Harman of Blowing Rock, right sounds the 200-year-old South-Appalachian hunt- 195 years before. Their reward ing horn donated by Audie Rogers of Candler one upon emerging from the woods last time before presenting it to Vice President “Harry Smith, a Tennessee Overmountain was a bag of apples that had Rockefeller, left, yesterday as Kings Mountain man pauses for a midday rest.” Staff photo by mayor John Moss, center, looks on.” Hobart Jones, Winston-Salem Journal, Oct. 5, 1975. Photo by George Doggett, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct. 8, 1975

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 11 town. But as the date of the covered wagon. As a result, the celebration neared and more trail marchers from Sycamore Shoals and was behind the marchers than Fort Defiance would get their before them, the distinction was handshake from the Vice President important. The marchers were and honor the Patriot militiamen headed for Kings Mountain both. National Military Park in York County, South Carolina, but Vice Parades and President Rockefeller was going to greet them in Kings Mountain, Presentations North Carolina. The town was On October 7, 1975, the celebrating that day with a commemorative marchers walked parade and holding mayoral through Kings Mountain, North elections to boot. Carolina to the cheers of some 20-25 “Jimmy Mayberry and thousand spectators. Then they made Robert L. (Rip) Collins, their way into John Gamble Stadium Overmountain Men, greet Rip Collins and the march Rockefeller” where 6,000 were admitted to witness Staff photo by Charlie Buchanan, leaders held a “war council” at Cowpens just as the militiamen the proceedings. Governor Jim continued, this time of 1780 had done. They Holshouser was there along with joined by a crowd of 75, decided to hike as far as they Mayor John Henry Moss. US mostly Boy Scouts. The could by 10 a.m. and then Representatives James T. Broyhill and Jim Martin had flown by helicopter marchers covered 12 “A Gift for Rocky . . proceed by bus to the town of miles, but the reality of .mountaineer horn.” Kings Mountain for the parade with the Vice President from Photo by Jim Wilson, Char- Charlotte Douglas Airport. The the march began to lotte Observer, Oct. 8, 1975 and to meet the Vice President. close in. The following Much to their delight, their presiding speaker acknowledged the day would require 21 miles to reach anxiety about abandoning their march marchers who had spent 12 days Cowpens and then they’d have a to the battlefield was relieved when a walking from Sycamore Shoals and single day to reach Kings Mountain group from South Carolina arrived to Fort Defiance. When called upon, by 3 p.m. across a distance made in carry on the procession to that they in turn presented the Bible, the 1780 by mounted militiamen riding all historic destination. The Cherokee horn and the scroll to Vice President night. Some compromise would be County contingent included seven Nelson A. Rockefeller. Signaling the necessary; but, getting to Cowpens riders on horseback, two mules and a (Continued on page 13) was the immediate challenge and Bill Stronach called the marchers to task. Bill was the Director of Parks and Recreation in Lenoir and had hiked with both groups before they joined at Morganton. Leaving at 8 a.m., the group followed Stronach’s pace of 130 steps a minute, but eventually they slowed in part because of the day -hikers who had joined in. Arriving at the South Carolina line, the marchers passed the Bible, horn and scroll to the next group, but most pushed on, knowing they were getting too close to their destination to turn back.

Getting to Kings Mountain To this point in the march, it had “TIRED BUT HAPPY Overmountain Victory Trail marchers finally arrive at the Kings been unnecessary to distinguish Mountain Battleground 195 years after the original mountain men dealt an overwhelming between Kings Mountain, the blow to the British forces in a battle destined to be a turning point of the Revolutionary War. These men arrived yesterday afternoon after 12 days on the 150-mile trail beginning battlefield, and Kings Mountain, the in Sycamore Shoals, Tenn. Two kilt-clad Cherokee County men lead the procession through the park.” Photo by Susan McBrayer, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct. 8, 1975.

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 12 www.NPS.gov/ovvi end of one part of the march, Bob any better,’ said Collins. ‘This thing grand marshal for the second OVT Harman blew the hunting horn one stretched out over three states and march. “It rained 11 of the 12 days we last time before handing it to the Vice 14 counties and there were a lot of were out.” The rain did curtail President. Rip Collins presented the loose ends and not everybody fully somewhat the crowds of spectators, scroll and invited the Vice President understood what was going on. but those determined to walk did their to add his signature, declaring that There was no federal or state part. “When we started off from this scroll would “remain in financial help.’ Sycamore Shoals on September 26, Carolina.” Rockefeller said he was 1976,” Smith continued, “I figure we “honored and delighted” to sign the “‘Volunteer effort’ was the term used had 5,000 people there. We had nearly scroll. [That scroll is on display today most frequently to describe the every politician from around there at the Kings Mountain National journey by Collins and Appalachian attending. The TV stations from Military Park Visitor Center.] Consortium Executive Director Johnson City, Asheville, Bristol were Borden Mace. there, too. We had a lot of publicity, Rockefeller praised the marchers and but the sound system went out and thanked them for the mementos “‘That’s what it’s all about,’ said nobody could hear the politicians. saying, “This is one of the luckiest Mace. ‘The grassroots effort along That may have been a blessing days of my life. Frankly, ladies and the way was overwhelming.’ . . . ‘This actually. Anyway, we started walking. gentlemen, this is America at its best.” was a good idea whose time had We were heading up Gap Creek from The Vice President said that he would come.’ Sycamore Shoals. About a mile out, show the horn to his children, sons we had a host of hikers, maybe a ages 8 and 11. As recounted in The “The marchers will long remember thousand people with us. At two Shelby Daily Star, he would tell them the strumming of the dulcimer, the miles out, most everyone had started “about the historical details sore blistered feet and the drifting away.” surrounding it” knowing “it would be comradeship formed from the hours an ‘inspiration to them’ on the ‘future of contact along the trail and around Seventeen marchers made the whole of the country.’” the campfire. walk from Tennessee and five began at Fort Defiance. Others joined along Honoring the Patriots “‘It’s going to be hard to split up,’ the way for parts of the Later that Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 said Collins. . . ‘I’m sort of commemorative trek. Inspired by the p.m., the marchers led by grand exhilarated, but I’ll be happy to get 1975 march, one family of five from marshal Rip Collins walked into Kings home.’ Morganton drove to Sycamore Shoals Mountain National Military Park. The to begin the hike. They walked the contingent from South Carolina who “‘It was worth every step of the way,’ entire way. That family included three had continued the march arrived said Bob Harman. ‘I’d do it again generations: Hugh Bennett and his around 6 p.m. wife, both in their sixties, their 1976 – America’s daughter Andrea Kiser and her two As reported by The Shelby Daily Star in children, Robin 16 and Pat 9. Ms. an October 8, 1975 article by Susan Bicentennial Kiser said they were marching to McBrayer: Celebration honor her fourth-great grandfather, John Duckworth of Burke County, “The ruddy, weather-beaten, bearded who had fought at Kings Mountain. faces showed obvious signs of tomorrow.’” weariness as the tired, dusty he second Overmountain The second march had its own marchers came forward to accept the T Victory Trail march got celebrity participant—Four-star commemoration medals presented underway in the wake of America’s General William Westmoreland, by Collins at the battleground. . . . Bicentennial Celebration. Many of the former field commander of US troops Six of the men receiving medals had same people participated in the in Viet Nam. He joined the marchers come all the way from Tennessee, six second commemorative hike as did in in Morganton where, outfitted as a from Wilkes and Surry counties and the first, at least from around frontiersman, he was photographed several from their home counties Sycamore Shoals and among those by noted North Carolina who continued the remainder of the planning to hike the entire way. The photographer Hugh Morton. The journey. . . . schedule was much the same, but photograph showed the general some things were different. wearing a fringed buckskin jacket and “‘I don’t really think we could have coon-skin cap and holding a longrifle. hoped to do anything that turned out “It was wet,” recalled Harry Smith, (Continued on page 14)

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 13 usually a pretty good one.” of the National Park Service was scheduled to participate, but the rain The marchers had been entertained delayed his flight and he did not come on their way again in 1976 by Bob to Cleveland County. Because of rain, Harman on his dulcimer. Added to the ceremonies had been moved that were the ballads offered by indoors from the Park to the high Glenn Bolick of Blackberry, North school auditorium in Kings Mountain, Carolina. Smith called him “the North Carolina. Gary Everhardt, official troubadour” of the march. Director of the National Park Service, spoke at the dedication. In Morganton, the marchers were greeted by 400 spectators. A surprise “My association with the guest, General Westmoreland Overmountain Victory Trail began in addressed the crowd. According to Washington, DC after 1975,” recalled the News Herald, “the general praised Gary Everhardt in 2005. “That’s the fortitude of the mountain people, when I became director of the saying that it was a quality still evident National Park Service. I was invited in the make-up of this area. . . down to the town of Kings Mountain .Terming these people ‘patriots,’ he and then we went to the park for the “Pioneer Patriot—Four-star Gen William said that their strength is represented ceremonies there. And here came Westmoreland, former American Vietnam by the marchers of 1976.” Harry Smith, trudging through the War field commander, wore the uniform of a Westmoreland then signed the rain and the mud with all the pioneer patriot of 200 years ago as he joined the Overmountain Victory Trail marchers at petition to have the Overmountain marchers; it was a terrible day. Seems their encampment at Quaker Meadows near Victory Trail designated a National like it always rained on the OVT Morganton . . .” Photo by Hugh Morton Historic Trail. marches.” published by Watauga Democrat, Oct. 4, 1976. At Kings Mountain, that petition was Though great for photographs and Damp Toast delivered to Tenth District for satisfying popular misconceptions Before the ceremony began in Kings Representative James T. Broyhill. In of period dress, the frontier Mountain, two of the ceremony’s accepting the petition and militiamen who fought in 1780 wore participants also fought the rain. The acknowledging the call for him to broad-brimmed hats and hunting two governors of the Carolinas help get the designation, shirts and frocks made of linsey- gathered at the state line of North Congressman Broyhill praised the woolsy and wool. As re-enacting the Carolina and South Carolina near marchers, saying “You have helped us Revolutionary Period became more remember some of our history and (Continued on page 15) popular, correct and authentic the heritage of our great country.” He clothing became more prominent called on those assembled to among supporters of the Trail; but, in remember that a great nation may fall the early years, marchers who dressed when it forgets from where it came. up wore a lot of inaccurate attire. Then he reminded the audience that

the Battle of Kings Mountain was “The General walked in with us to “fought by unusual men— Morganton,” recalled Harry Smith. independent men who believed in We covered 27 miles. When we got freedom and liberty and were there, he walked over to shake my prepared to do something about it.” hand and said, ‘Harry, I don’t think This was surely a lesson from which I’ve ever made 27 miles in a day.’ We we could learn, he said. just laughed, him being an old soldier

and all. And Hugh Bennett was an old A New Visitor Center DEDICATION—The new visitor center at soldier too. He was an ‘old horse Kings Mountain National Military Park, focus marine’ who’d fought in Nicaragua in The reward for marchers in 1976 also of a $1.5 million Bicentennial improvement 1928. Then he re-upped and went off included participation in ceremonies project at the park, was officially dedicated dedicating the new visitor center at this morning at B. N. Barnes Auditorium in to WWII. I’ll tell you, I met some Kings Mountain. The ceremonies were really interesting people on these Kings Mountain National Military moved because of a heavy rainfall. . . walks. Everybody had a story, and Park. Jack Ford, 24-year-old son of .Pictured speaking is Gary Everhardt, National Park Service director. the President and a former employee Photo by George Doggett, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct. 8. 1976

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 14 www.NPS.gov/ovvi cameras, note pads, Overmountain Victory Trail just keep and the umbrellas of on marching. . . Cheering crowds or the lucky. A real gully no cheering crowds, the people washer. involved in the Victory Trail march have vowed to continue the re- “The beauty queens, enactment annually until the 200th Miss North Carolina, anniversary in 1980. . . The group, Susie Proffitt, and which includes old men and children, Miss South Carolina, will walk as far as 27 miles in a day Lavinia Cox, stood before reaching their destination. with their governors You’ve got to admire their under gentleman-held dedication.” umbrellas and smiled The 1977 marchers were greeted in “Gov. James Holshouser and Gov. James Edwards exchange as radiantly as if they Morganton by 60 spectators. Even greetings at the border between North Carolina and South were at the Miss Carolina, offering a toast with mountaineer wooden tankards.” American Pageant. UPI Telephoto, Winston-Salem Journal, Oct. 9, 1976

Kings Mountain for a special “Plucky colonial-costumed Jane ceremony. Charlotte Observer staff Laughlin, a 20-year-old Rock Hill writer Harold Warren reported on the volunteer at the park, poured pure proceedings: spring water from a flask into wooden mugs for the governors. “It rained and rained and rained Friday on the governors and “Holshouser, President Ford’s beauty queens of the Carolinas Southern campaign coordinator, and everyone else. toasted Ford. Edwards toasted the spirit of the rugged mountain “It washed out a scheduled men who whipped the British at appearance by President Ford’s Kings Mountain 196 years ago. son, Jack, at the dedication of the 7,000-square-foot visitors center “Everybody scurried into the nearby town of Kings Mountain, at Kings Mountain National “COMMEMORATION OF LIBERTY—Third Military Park. . . . where several hundred people annual Overmountain Victory Trail Grand had waited nearly an hour for the Marshal Bill Stronach of Lenoir discusses park dedication ceremonies to the reenactment of the OVT march which “The first big event was supposed ended yesterday with a ceremony at the to be a 10:30 a.m. handshake begin in the high school Kings Mountain National Military Park’s between Gov. Jim Holshouser auditorium. amphitheater with U.S. Rep. James T. Broy- hill following yesterday’s ceremonies.” Staff and SC Gov. Jim Edwards across Photo by Susan McBrayer, The Shelby Daily Star, October 9, the state line on NC-SC 216. “They included about two dozen weary marchers who had traced with a small crowd, Dr. Emmett “The huddled masses waited, the original Kings of Rutherford College spoke N.C. and S.C. state troopers in victors’ 150-mile, 12-day trek on about the history of Quaker Meadows slickers, National Park Service the Overmountain Victory Trail and the events of 1780. The marchers folks with walkie-talkies, a few from Sycamore Shoals, Tenn. . . .” and spectators were treated to music, local bicentennial buffs and a n a piece on the October 3rd folk dancing, fire-arms gaggle of soggy reporters. I editorial page of Morganton’s News demonstrations, and folk songs of original composition. A letter from “After half an hour, an older man 1977 – Third NC Congressman James Broyhill conveyed to the marchers news of his under an umbrella reflected, Annual March “Gonna get too wet to plow introduction of a second bill to here’n a minute.” designate the Trail as a national Herald, columnist Ted Hall wrote, historic trail, this one including 13 co- “Then the Republican governors “Grassroots enthusiasm may be sponsoring congressmen. arrived . . . By then the rain was rapidly dwindling away, but those splattering harder on bare heads, dedicated to preserving the (Continued on page 16)

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 15 “More 1978–Commitment members. I believe that was the marchers, beginning of the OVTA.” The State more of Tennessee officially chartered the spectators, Overmountain Victory Trail more states “we faced an opportunity. Some of us Association in January 1979. and more went to a meeting in Boone that involvement summer to present to a North “Rip took that idea and ran with it,” marked the Carolina trails committee our case for Smith continued. “He traveled around third annual getting state recognition. Some other and got more people and Overmountain trails were presenting their cases as communities signed up. He had Victory Trail well. One of them was the Daniel people starting OVTA chapters all march . . .” Boone Heritage Trail; R. Ivey Moore along the trail’s route. Collins was the reported Susan had been working on that for years. first president and he kept that McBrayer in Another was the North Carolina position through the 1980 march. The Shelby Daily segment of the Virginia Creeper Trail. Star on The committee turned them both “Rip was one of the most far-sighted “Ivey Moore, 72, Still on October 8, down and then we presented. They people I’d ever seen,” said Smith. the March” Photo by Harold Warren, 1977. Under didn’t want ours either. We were “Most of us don’t think past Charlotte Observer, Oct. 6, 1975 the leadership discouraged. That’s when a group of tomorrow, but Rip thought this trail of Bill Stronach, grand marshal, the us who were there, went into a room could be salvaged. It had been lost marchers arrived with a group of 25 and I said, “Fellows, if we don’t do since Draper wrote his book and I to 30 who had walked the entire way. something, start some sort of think that Rip just decided that this And some of the marchers had begun association to push this thing, all the was something worth doing and that in Abingdon, Virginia thanks to the work we’ve done is going to be lost. he was the person to do it. But he got first-time involvement of marshal That’s when either Gary Everhardt or discouraged too, but he started Blair Keller from Washington County, Rip, I don’t remember which, pulled listening to other people. Hugh Virginia. Representatives from out a piece of paper and we started Bennett helped get Rip through the Georgia came up to Kings Mountain writing some sort of charter creating low times, and Tom Gray and his wife in ’77 and expected to be represented an organization responsible for helped get Rip through, too. Rip was on the march in ’78 by the Sons of keeping this trail and this march alive. a quiet, unassuming man who made the Revolution, Atlanta. That would We all pledged ourselves to do the the worst speeches in the world, but bring into representation all the states things listed on the paper and then we he was really enthused about this who had militiamen fighting in 1780. signed it right there. That was how stuff. I guess he had the ability to get the Overmountain Victory Trail people like me excited and Borden “We are beginning to get some Association was born. Later we got it Mace and whoever else could help continuity,” said Bill Stronach at incorporated in Tennessee and that him do this trail. Kings Mountain National Military was that.” Park. “We’re now able to help create a “I remember driving one night to permanent base. There are a total of “I remember being at Appalachian some meeting with Rip. I don’t know 14 counties with permanent OVT State University in Boone,” recalled exactly when it was, but he had chapters which have pledged to assist Everhardt. “I had been in Asheville already suffered some in memorializing this trail and making since October ’77 when I became disappointments as well as some highs it permanent, a part of the national superintendent of the Blue Ridge with this trail idea. He turned to me trails system.” In 1977 the association Parkway. By that time, I had met a and said, ‘Harry, we may never do of persons interested in the trail may number of people in the High another thing in our lives that means have remained an informal alliance Country who were involved with this anything, but this—this is important.’ though some recall the Overmountain trail. We were meeting in the Broyhill Rip Collins was committed to the Victory Trail Association was begun Center, in a room downstairs. We had trail, that was for sure.” that year. a consensus among the 10 or 12 of us there that we needed to formalize what had been to this point an Fourth Annual March Getting the Act Together informal group. We wanted to charter “I think 23 made it all the way,” said s we looked toward the fourth ourselves as a nonprofit and that cost Tom Gray of Elizabethton, “A march,” said Harry Smith, some money, so we all chipped in five or ten dollars to be listed as charter (Continued on page 17)

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 16 www.NPS.gov/ovvi Colonel William Campbell, the O’Lynn” and “Tom Bolynn.” commander at the battle, Dr. J.N. The Scottish ballad, Tom Bolynn, was Lipscomb, South Carolina marshal, carried to Ireland and became Bryan and Bob Morrison, Tennessee O’Lynn, The song subsequently made marshal. its way to America with the Scots- Irish settlers of the Appalachian On October 9, 1978, Michael Mountains. Goforth, staff writer, wrote in The Shelby Daily Star: Probably similar in spirit to the words of Barney Linn, verses of Tom Bolynn “On Saturday afternoon, a wreath include: was laid at the monument in the park. Visitors looked at the Tom Bolynn had no boots to monument and realized that at wear; that place something significant He got him a goat skin to make happened. But, there is a greater him a pair. monument to the battle. That The wooly side out, the fleecy monument is the memory of the side in, battle and the men who fought Cool in the summer says Tom and died there. The Bolynn. “Overmountain Men The fourth annual march of the Overmoun- Overmountain Victory Marchers tain Men arrived at Kings Mountain Battle- remember. Annually they put that Chorus: ground Saturday for the 198th anniversary memory back into focus.” Tom Bolynn was a Scotch-man of the Revolutionary War victory there. Among the 23 who completed the full march born, were Grand Marshal Thomas Gray, left, of The history that these marchers His shoes worn out, his stockings Elizabethton, Tenn. and Ivey Moore of North commemorated also got a lift in 1978, torn. Wilkesboro, who at age 75, was the oldest of as Dr. Bobby Moss of Limestone The calf of his leg come down to College in Gaffney, SC discovered the his shin, Tennessee, grand marshal for the oldest original version of the song A bull dog and panters*, said fourth march of the Overmountain Barney Linn. Near sunrise on October Tom Bolynn. Victory Trail. “We’ve probably got a 7, 1780, as Draper recounts in his few bruises and blisters, but the history of the battle, Patriot scout Tom Bolynn bought him an old weather was perfect.” Enoch Gilmer had crossed the Broad gray mare, River at Cherokee Ford to see if Her sides was worn, her feet was Once again the marchers, including Ferguson’s men were lying in wait. bare. four-year walker Ivey Moore then Draper says, “After some little time, (Continued on page 18) nearing 76, had made their way from Gilmer’s well-known Abingdon, Sycamore Shoals and Fort voice was heard in the Defiance all the way to Kings hollow near by, singing Mountain Military Park. Along with a Barney Linn, a favorite crowd of 600, Wilma Dykeman, jolly song of the times, author of The French Broad, was there which was sufficient to welcome them. She was there also notice that the way was to sign copies of her book, With Fire clear.” and Sword, the newly released National Park Service pamphlet about the Dr. Moss, completing Battle of Kings Mountain. And again, research in Scotland and the marchers were treated to an with the help of Dr. address by Congressman James Cratis Williams, Eric Broyhill, the featured speaker, who Olson at Appalachian continued his unrelenting legislative State, and the curator of efforts to have the trail designated as folk music at the Library “March participants admire old musket.” a National Historic Trail. Others of Congress, determined L to R : Dr. Emmett R. White of Rutherford College; Hugh Bennett of Morganton; Tom Gray, grand marshal for the march; present included Reverend Earl that the song had other Campbell, a direct descendant of Charles Goble of Lenoir; Grant Harding of Tennessee; Bill names including “Bryan Stronach of Lenoir; and Ivey Moore of North Wilkesboro. News Herald, Morganton, Oct. 2, 1978

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 17 1979 – Fifth 1980 – Bicentenary Annual March Celebration

Marshall Hugh Bennett of Burke that by the bicentennial celebration of County walked in formation into the the Battle of Kings Mountain, they amphitheater at Kings Mountain would have secured Congressional National Military Park. During the recognition for their trail. As planning ceremony, flags from each of the five for the 1980 march continued, the states whose militiamen had fought at prospects for that timely designation the battle were brought forward to dimmed. the cheers of the audience members from those respective states. Paul Butler, Polk County marshal, A National Historic Trail introduced the descendants of “James Broyhill and his wife, and my patriots and asked other descendants wife and I,” recalled Harry Smith, attending to stand. Many rose to “met at Fort Defiance about an hour honor their ancestors by name. before the parade in Lenoir that first year in ’ 75. James was in Congress “Dr. Moss Examines Roadmarker” In a fitting tribute, the Atlanta then and had been since ’62. He asked Staff Photo by Joe DePriest, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct.. 4, Chapter of the Sons of the American 1980 me what we were doing. He could see Revolution presented their Good people walking around in costume, Away he went through thick and and everybody was telling him thin, something different. I told him about I’m going a-courting, says Tom the march and how this should be a Bolynn. teaching experience for youngsters. Then I said, it should also be a Come in, come in my welcome national historic trail.” guest. Take which of my daughters you “Harry Smith was the first one to love the best. approach me about helping get this I’ll take one for love, the other for trail recognized by Congress,” recalled kin. Senator James Broyhill in 2004. “We I’ll marry them both, says Tom “Marchers Arrive Overmountain Victory Trail marchers arrive were fortunate in a lot of ways to get Bolynn. at the Kings Mountain National Military Park it done. First, Congress had already yesterday afternoon for ceremonies com- established the Historic Trails And after the wedding they must memorating the 199th anniversary of the battle.” Staff Photo by Joe DePriest, The Shelby Daily Star, program. Until then, the trails were have a dinner; October 9, 1979 recreational and scenic. That new Have nothing to eat that was fit category included the Lewis & Clark for a sinner, Citizenship Award posthumously to Trail and the Oregon Trail, and some Neither flesh, fish, food, nor no Tom Gray, the previous year’s grand others. But they were all in the West; such thing. marshal. Gray’s wife accepted the not a one was in the East. So, I It’s a hell of a dinner, says Tom award. Georgia was represented for introduced a bill that would add the Bolynn. the first time in the 1978 march. Overmountain Victory Trail as a part of that existing designation. But even [* Note: The Watauga Democrat article or years the organizers and that wasn’t easy. of September 28, 1978 reported F volunteers who had become the “panters” in one place and “spanter” fabric of the annual reenactment “I’d like to tell you that the in another. Neither word appears in march, had looked forward eagerly to Overmountain Victory National th any dictionaries consulted.] the 200 anniversary celebration in Historic Trail was so designated by th n the occasion of the 199 1980. Their collective dream had been Congress during an up-swelling of O anniversary of the Battle, a Patriotic pride among our nation’s crowd of 1,700 applauded as the elected representatives, but that’s not Overmountain Victory Trail marchers under the leadership of Grand (Continued on page 19)

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 18 www.NPS.gov/ovvi a couple of years, maybe three. Still support of the administration,” nothing happened. Then one evening Everhardt continued. “Creating the in the late summer of 1980 I was in OVNHT was significant because it Sparta, North Carolina having dinner didn’t have the national presence that with Gary Everhardt, the other trails did and its existence relied superintendent of the Blue Ridge on the cooperation of citizens and Parkway. I said, ‘Gary we aren’t going landowners. The Trail relied on to get this thing done in time for the “private partnerships,” which at the 1980 bicentennial of Kings Mountain time was a new concept for managing if something doesn’t happen. James parks. The trail is better known today has been proposing it; he and Jimmy than it was at the beginning, so the Quillen [congressman from partnering has worked. And the story Tennessee] and [Congressman] it commemorates is amazing to me, Wampler from Virginia are all that back then they were able to do “Taking Aim Republicans and the House is what they did, mustering troops from Grant Hardin of Elizabethton, Tenn., takes aim with his musket yesterday in a demon- Democratically controlled.’ As I recall the “backwater” areas, and then travel stration of how Overmountain men used it, Gary said, ‘I’ll see what I can do. I like they did as far as they did and their weapons in the Battle of Kings Moun- tain. The marchers arrived in Rutherford know Burton, too; he and Jim work fight like they did. Without the Trail County yesterday, and on Sunday will push well together; maybe we can make to help tell the story, it sounds something happen.’ Well, I think Gary unbelievable.” how it happened. At that time, called Phil Burton’s office, but he Democrats had a majority in Congress can’t say for sure that he did. It was a and it was not often that a Republican long time ago and Gary was involved In its September 11, 1980 issue, the member was given the privilege of in lot of things. Anyway, Burton was Watauga Democrat reported: getting his bill considered. It’s just in charge of the Department of the politics and it works both ways. But, it Interior committee in the House. I “President Carter Signs OVT just so happened that I had a couple suppose with Udall’s blessing Burton Bill of friends who were in a position to tacked Broyhill’s legislation onto a help. One was Senator Mo Udall of budget bill the next day and in a flash “On Monday afternoon Jimmy Arizona, chairman of the Senate we were officially a national historic Carter signed a bill. Rip Collins, Interior Committee at that time. The trail. That’s how it happened. James, local naturalist, canoeist, realtor other was Phil Burton, a Gary and all the people who’d and writer got a call from Cong. Representative from California; he marched to give this trail a name had James T. Broyhill’s office to was chair of the House Interior made a difference. It couldn’t have inform him of the news. Committee. happened without all of them doing their parts.” “The bill Carter signed made the “I did not trade votes, but Phil Overmountain Victory Trail a Burton, was interested in some of the “James Broyhill was the key and national historic trail, a feat that same issues I was. I got involved on significant player in getting Collins and other mountain men some of his legislation. Because of my Congressional designation,” declared like him have been working working relationships with these two Everhardt. “The Overmountain toward. men, I think we were able to get my Victory Trail became a great interest bill through. Anyway, Burton told me to me because I was from Caldwell “‘We worked long enough,’ later that he attached my trail County and Lenoir originally. Some of Collins said. ‘Congressman designation bill to an omnibus budget my ancestors fought at Kings Broyhill deserves a lot of credit, bill and it got passed. It really was a Mountain, too. My mother was a and both the state’s senators were stroke of luck especially coming when Powell from Caldwell. There were involved—Helms and Morgan. It it did.” two Powell boys at Kings Mountain. was a great bipartisan effort.’ Unfortunately they were on the side “This thing went on for five years,” with Ferguson. You can’t imagine the “Prospects are good, Collins says, recalled Smith, “this idea of getting ribbing I took about that from the that the president will show up at the trail designated. We had tried to other members of the trail Kings Mountain when the get some recognition and got association. marchers reach their final nowhere. James [Broyhill] had been destination Oct. 7. submitting a bill for its designation for “I was happy the Trail had the (Continued on page 20)

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 19 They stayed instead at Freedom High on October 8, 1980. “Already, he says, three governors School and avoided “a pretty hard will participate and former rain storm.” The article continued, “‘I think we are senator Sam Ervin, Jr. will speak in remarkably good spirits after all the when the group camps in In an editorial on October 3, 1980, rain and mud we marched through,’ Morganton.” said Rip Collins, . . .president of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, the 300- member group which Hearty Witness organizes the annual march.”

to History After a succession of speakers On September 25, 1980 beneath declined invitations, North threatening skies, celebrants of the Carolina Governor Jim Hunt bicentenary of the campaign to the accepted the invitation to Battle of Kings Mountain marched in speak at ceremonies held at procession through Elizabethton with the stadium in Kings a horse-drawn wagon to Sycamore Mountain, NC. Later a crowd Shoals State Historic Site. There “Bill Stronach Fires His Muzzle-Loader During Hike.” of 3,000 gathered at the Kings visitors saw living history AP Laserphoto, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct. 1, 1980. Mountain National Military demonstrations, and at the museum The Shelby Star offered this about the Park in the final ceremony of five they saw artifacts of the battle, community’s attitude toward the 200th days of celebration organized by the including Ferguson’s dinner plate and anniversary: “It’s a shame President citizens of Kings Mountain. Others telescope. After the marchers left on Carter and Vice President Mondale attending the ceremony were retired the 26th, the park re-enacted a declined the invitation to attend the General William Westmoreland, Cherokee Indian raid on Fort celebration. But that won’t keep honorary chairman of the celebration, Watauga at the replica stockade. Cleveland County from pulling out all Tenth District Congressman James stops in honoring the Battle with all Broyhill, the governors of North “Dennis ‘Stumper’ Kline was the the energy the community can muster. Carolina and South Carolina, former grand marshal in 1980,” recalled . . . A 200-unit parade begins at 1 p.m. US Senator Sam Ervin, Jr., and Harry Smith, “but he got sick and was Tuesday, and the Overmountain Secretary of Interior Cecil Andrus, not able to participate. Some of the Victory Trail hikers are slated to arrive who was the principal speaker at the rest of us who had done it before at the national park at 3.” national park. took over parts of the march, and, of course, some went for the whole On October 5, the marchers camped Secretary Andrus congratulated the time.” at Bethlehem Campground in Overmountain Victory Trial marchers Rutherford County and arrived at on their unrelenting pursuit of “We had a pound of mud on each Cowpens National Battlefield on the Congressional designation of the foot,” reported Shelby resident 6th, The Shelby Daily Star reported. historic route as a National Historic Barbara Dover in The Shelby Daily Star. She was hiking with her 10-year old On October 7, son, Robert. It had rained for five through days. She said at North Cove the downtown Kings hikers struck their wet tents before Mountain, NC, dawn and began the march at 7 a.m. “50 exhilarated “in really good spirits.” The two marchers” walked dozen marchers had been at Gillespie in a 45-minute Gap the day before for a dedication parade before there of a permanent monument to “hundreds of the Overmountain Men. onlookers, the crowd swelled by In Morganton, the marchers were to students out of have camped at the fairgrounds as school for the they had in previous years, but the day,” reported the county fair was in process that year. Charlotte Observer “Overmountain Marchers are Greeted by Crowd(Continued at Kings on Mountain page 21) Park.” Staff Photo by Sam Jones, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct. 8, 1980

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 20 www.NPS.gov/ovvi Trail. “The trail you have just Consortium, but I remained interested “But they paused—paused for a covered,” he said, “is now in the always in the effort others were moment of meditation to national consciousness of Americans. championing to keep alive the story remember , as they had for the I salute your hearty witness to of the Overmountain Men. I was in past 13 days, the men who fought history.” the audience the day the postcard was for freedom exactly 200 years ago released. I think I’d heard the subject on a clearing just a few yards Governor Hunt said he was proud of the illustration referred to in away. that the Overmountain Victory Trail had been designated a National “United in spirit by a common Historic Trail. “This is the first goal and nearly two weeks of National Historic Trail in the east,” he company during their 219-mile said, as reported by The Shelby Daily trek from Virginia to South Star, “and the first in the nation that is Carolina, the Overmountain connected to a specific military Victory Trail hikers had arrived endeavor.” Hunt remarked that outside the Kings Mountain history is valuable. “Americans must Postage image from commemorative Battleground yesterday. They be able to say to their children and postcard, first-day issue, October 7, were preparing to march the final grandchildren that we worthily inherit leg of the trip. the kind of bravery, the kind of general as “Nolichucky John.” In any heritage of the people who came over case, the image was a representative “Wearing ankle-length, cotton the mountain.” frontiersman of the Appalachian skirts, dusty boots, knee britches, region. I was delighted that the card wide-collar fringed coats, turned out so well and added to the coonskin caps and carrying An Official Stamp of celebration of the Trail.” muskets and knives, they looked as though they could have been Approval resurrected from that famous day th Ceremonies for the 200 anniversary Finally Here, in 1780. of the Battle of Kings Mountain included release by the US Postal Finally Done “Several hikers took turns Service of a first day issue of a Kings In the October 8, 1980 issue of The addressing the group of about Mountain postcard. It was the fifth Shelby Daily Star, staff writer Susan two dozen who walked the entire released in an official series McBrayer described the marchers as way, and the 100 others who th commemorating events and people of they celebrated the 200 anniversary joined them for the last leg. They the American Revolution. The 10- and the Congressional designation of shared pride in their heritage, cent card included an image of an their trail. She captured well the spirit expressed thankfulness that there Overmountain Man with other of those who for six years had worked had been no injuries or discord fighters in the background advancing and walked to create the on the trip, and challenged all to through a forest. Executive Assistant Overmountain Victory National continue efforts to keep the to the postmaster general, Gerald Historic Trail. newly designated national historic Merna, said that artist David Blossom, trail alive. who provided images for all the commemorative postcards, drew “Overmountain Hikers “Singling out the youngest hiker them to make the viewer feel as if he Recall Battleground to make the entire trip, acting was there. “Mr. Blossom has Grand Marshal Conrad Schliske accomplished just that.” He added “They stood close together on a of Tryon praised the heartiness of that the cards in the series have “great trail deep in the woods. Voices 10-year-old Robert Dover of educational value.” were silent. Heads were bowed. A Shelby who “hiked the trail like a few tears fell. real trooper.” . . . “I have been a stamp collector for decades,” said Borden Mace. “With “The time they had been waiting “For young Robert, the best part the help of Representative James for was upon them. of the trip was “meeting all these Broyhill, I worked to get this nice people.” The worst part was commemorative postcard released. By the rain. the time it was, I was no longer connected with the Appalachian Photo: Watauga Democrat, Oct 9, 1975 (Continued on page 22)

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 21 “Why would someone leave his the 1978 march.] were just that, arising seemingly from job and family to walk 219 miles nowhere and disappearing after the job in the rain and the cold and heat? he celebration of the was done. T Overmountain Victory National “‘You’ll find as many motives as Historic Trail did not end after 1980. Neither have the men and women who there are people who have gone Annual marches continued have worked so hard for so long to the distance,’ said Rip Collins, uninterrupted with the 30th annual honor these Patriots of the past sought OVT Association president. march completed in 2004. The citizen recognition for themselves. Among the support that created the trail current supporters and champions of “For some, ‘it’s a way to prove to continues and suggests that annual the Overmountain Victory National themselves they can do it. For marches will continue for another 30 Historic Trail, the names, stories, and others, its helping to years and longer. As from the history recounted here may be little commemorate an important, beginning, it remains a “volunteer known in their entirety, though most Revolutionary War battle. Others effort.” everyone knows a piece or two of the do it for the companionship. tale. This brief and admittedly incomplete history humbly hopes to “‘It’s contagious,’ Collins said. Looking Down correct part of that deficit. Once people march a segment of the Path the way, they usually want to walk Some of those most active in the more the next year. founding of the trail have passed away in the 25 years since its designation as a “‘They feel like a family now,’ he The men who rode across the National Historic Trail. Rip Collins, said. ‘When you endure long mountains and up the Yadkin River to Tom Gray, Bill Stronach, Conrad times together, become tired, wet, Quaker Meadows in 1780 and those Schliske, R. Ivey Moore, and Hugh and disgruntled together, you who joined along the way as the Bennett are now deceased as well as create bonds you don’t get militiamen continued to Kings many others who participated for years otherwise.’ Mountain sought no recognition for but may not be named here. Their the heroic deed they performed. As service was no less important for lack “Andrea Kiser of Morganton is quickly as the militiamen mustered, of being mentioned. part of the three-generation after the battle was won, they family which has traveled the disbanded and returned to their A few of the early participants continue entire distance each year since the separate lives on their separate farms telling the story. Harry Smith lives in march began in 1975. She scattered throughout Appalachia and Tennessee. Borden Mace lives in compared this trip with the first. the Piedmont. At least one writer Connecticut. Senator Broyhill lives in called them a “ghost legion,” and they North Carolina. Bob Harman and “‘This year we’ve had as many Blair Keller both live in Virginia. new people as old people with us,’ she said. ‘People who had They all played a part, and all their fed and entertained us other contributions have been important to years joined us this year.’ the cause of honoring the Overmountain Men of 1780. “Bill Stronach of Lenoir also made the entire trip all six years. Preserving the story is like a growing tree. It takes deep roots, a strong trunk, “Stronach said this year was the and branches continually reaching out first year* all five states (North to create an ever-larger, self-sustaining and South Carolina, Tennessee, entity. The history recounted here and Virginia and Georgia) the tradition of annual marches are the participated. roots that support the trunk, the Overmountain Victory Trail itself. The “‘This year,’ he said, ‘we branches are each community and each completed the link.’” individual who adds even a little effort “Marchers to make the whole stronger. The story The Overmountain marchers . . . walk along- lives on and the Trail continues with [* Note: Reportedly all five states side Highway 64 north of Rutherfordton in the were represented for the first time in Cane Creek section.” the support from volunteers. Staff Photo by Sam Jones, The Shelby Daily Star, Oct. 4, 1980

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 22 www.NPS.gov/ovvi

Creating the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail was a volunteer effort, and like the militiamen these early supporters honored, these modern patriots also, were and are, unrelenting in their pursuit.

For them all, and for the volunteers yet to muster for the Council Oak at Quaker Meadows where the two sake of the Trail, three cheers: militia groups mustered. (Note the horse and Hip, hip, huzza! ● buggy beneath the tree for scale.)

Epilogue

he modern Patriots who have mountain Victory Trail championed the story of the Association. James T. T Overmountain Men of 1780 Broyhill was longtime have come from many parts of the US Representative country and from many walks of life. from North Carolina, Some are descendants of men who joining in the 88th Con- mustered for the campaign or actually gress after his election fought in the battle. Others are simply in 1962, and served as proud of their Revolutionary War US Senator from his heritage as Americans. Some were appointment through doctors and professors of history. 1986. He submitted Some were pipe fitters, merchants. bills to Congress begin- Others were scout leaders, farmers, ning in 1977 to secure salesmen, business people, govern- the designation of the ment employees; they came from eve- Overmountain Victory rywhere and with a common interest Trail as a National His- in celebrating and honoring America’s toric Trail. Patriot heroes. They all made a contri- (l to r) Gary Everhardt, James Broyhill, and Harry Smith bution and their collective contribu- Coming to the concept tions have made a difference in the creation of the Trail. of a Trail from three different approaches, it is notable that all three men graduated from Lenoir High School. They all But a remarkable story of a common bond emerged knew each other from the community and Harry Smith’s during the process of compiling this history of the crea- school career overlapped with that of the other two. Senator tion of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Broyhill graduated in ’46, Smith in ’47 and Everhardt in ’52. Trail. Three people instrumental in the creation of the Trail had roots in the same community. In March 2005, these three modern Patriots revisited their old school. Senator Broyhill reminded those gathered that Harry Smith, today from Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, Lenoir High School sits on the site of Fort Crider, a camping was the Safety Marshal during the original commemora- site of the Wilkes-Surry militiamen mustered under Major tive march in 1975 and the grand marshal in the second Joseph Winston and Col. Benjamin Cleaveland and riding march in 1976. Gary Everhardt was Director, National toward Quaker Meadows, where they convened with others Park Service under President Gerald Ford and later the in the unrelenting pursuit for freedom. ● Superintendent of the . He was one of the original signers of the charter forming the Over-

Published by the National Park Service Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones www.NPS.gov/ovvi 23 n 1975, Morganton hosted a Appendix Mountain.” Music for the ballad was grand celebration to created by Jerry Burleson and Gary I commemorate the Kirby. The class was taught by Linda Overmountain Men of 1780 and to welcome the marchers Van Huss and Carolyn Sakowski. Jayne Wilkins worked walking the Overmountain Victory Trail. Two thousands with the students so they could sing the song as a chorus in people attended. For the occasion students at East Burke a manner consistent with the historic period. High School and Freedom High School composed and performed original ballads. Students of the folklore class at East Burke composed a ballad as well. The ballad created by that class was The Humanities II class of Freedom High School performed by students Clark Fletcher and Henry Darden. composed a ballad called “The Battle of Kings The teachers were Candy Young and Shirley White.

This is the ballad composed by the students of The folklore class of East Burke High School composed Freedom High School: this ballad:

ine hundred untrained mountain men rom Sycamore Shoals near Old Elizabeth N Pack up in Sycamore Shoals; F Came the backwater men. They answered a call of destiny Came down out of Appalachia To save their rebel souls. To meet General Ferguson. Their path was coarse and rocky, But they kept a pressin’ on Chorus: Until we see the last red fall Far from over the mountains Our battle won’t be won. Came the mountain men. They came to fight a battle O, the mountain men came ridin’ They came prepared to win. From Eastern Tennessee. They clumb up hill and mountains They carried rifles, tomahawks, skinnin’ knives Then met at Council Tree. To kill that Tory band. McDowell gave ‘em orders (Fight had for liberty)! They all said they’d fight to the death So they went up to Kings Mountain To bring freedom to this land. To prove their bravery. They met McDowell at the Council Oak The Reds with all their spit and shine They stayed there for the night Were something else to see. Then they started don their pursuit Our rough and rugged mountain men Of Ferguson in his flight. Were hidin’ behind the trees— Yellin’, whoopin’, screamin’ hard The men from Burke, they all went along They fought them old Tories; To fight for freedom’s name. And before too long the They knew that some would not return Reds were gone and they won the victory. But they went just the same.

Nine hundred untrained mountain men They rode and rode for many a day Pack up in Sycamore Shoals; To King Mount they came. They answered a call of destiny The British they were all there waiting To save their rebel souls. Prepared to fight in vain. Our path was coarse and rocky, But we kept a pressin’ on Scarcely an hour had passed them by, Until we saw the last Coat fall The end was drawing near. Our battle we had won. ● Ferguson lay there dead on the ground The rest surrendered in fear.

In 1780 the tide was turned To favor the rebel band. A few more years of war would pass Then freedom would rule the land. ●

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Published by the National Park Service Researched, written, and laid out by Randell Jones 24 www.NPS.gov/ovvi