Marble Springs State Historic Site: Sevier Day 280

Party like it’s 1745 at Marble Springs State Historic Site Annual Sevier Day

~ from Marble Springs State Historic Site 

Step back in time and celebrate John Sevier’s 280th birthday at the Annual Sevier Day Celebration, held at Marble Springs State Historic Site on Saturday, September 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages!

This family-friendly event promises a day packed with 18th-century games, music, educational lectures, and hands-on crafts. Guests will enjoy immersive demonstrations of blacksmithing, salt-making, open-hearth cooking, weaving, and more. There is something for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Mayor Glenn Jacobs will kick off our event at 11 a.m. with a ceremonial proclamation and ringing of the bell.

Gather at the Spring House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hear the Smoky Mountain Storytellers spin tall tales of Appalachian folklore and thrilling stories of Indigenous legends. From haunted hollers to brave warriors, you’ll be transported to a time when stories were shared around the fire and passed down through generations. Perfect for all ages, the storytellers blend history with humor, wisdom, and wonder.

Dr. Magra from the University of Tennessee will present a lecture on The Battle of Kings Mountain at 11:30 a.m. at the pavilion. Learn about Sevier’s role during this pivotal battle during the American Revolution on that fateful day in October.

Dr. Locklin-Sofer from Maryville College will also be lecturing on the Women’s Roles in the 18th century at 2 p.m. Explore how gender roles in frontier America differed and challenged gender expectations and norms.

Join our cake cutting at 1 p.m. as we celebrate Sevier’s birthday with song, revelry, and cupcakes provided by Magpies Bakery. The Bearded Trio will kick off a one-hour set with the singing of Happy Birthday. Hang out for a sweet treat and enjoy the sounds of fun, family, and friends.

Walk around to see live demonstrations from flames of blacksmiths to the meticulous hands of a weaver. Ask questions and spot the differences between modern techniques and traditional arts. Try your hand at some 18th-century skill, make your own hand broom for free with local broom maker Michele Disney.

Explore the scenic Marble Springs grounds while engaging with knowledgeable interpreters, skilled craftspeople, and a rich tapestry of local history.

Marble Springs State Historic Site is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Historical Commission.