STATESVILLE —Recall the bloody struggle of the 1754-1763 French and Indian War at Fort Dobbs State Historic Site on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, as cannons roar and muskets thunder during the fifth annual “War for Empire” program.
Reenactors portraying soldiers, Indians and civilians will evoke the fierce 18th-century struggle between England and France for control of North America, which set the stage for the American Revolution. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, visitors can thrill to battle reenactments, military drills and artillery demonstrations; 18th-century “doctoring” presentations; period music and dances; blacksmithing; colonial cuisine; and much more. The event will even feature a re-created Cherokee attack on Fort Dobbs at 1:30 p.m. each day. This program is free and open to the public.
Young and old alike will have a chance to inspect the artillery Great Britain used against the fortresses of New France and to learn about the men who led North Carolina provincial soldiers through uncertain times. Historical interpreters will recreate the Indian war councils of the Cherokee as they decide whether to side with the French against the British. Following the battle each day, one can even watch the fort’s military surgeon treat a scalped soldier!
Other highlights will include “wagoneers” describing military transport of the day and showcasing an original 18th-century Conestoga wagon. Visit with ordinary settlers forced to endure the hardships of a colony at war to discover how the human spirit endures in the midst of death and destruction. Period music will fill the air as children enjoy old-fashioned games, dance and pastimes that were common during colonial days.
Enjoy a typical market “faire” or join in a divine service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Stroll through military, civilian and hunters’ camps, and watch sutlers (1700s vendors) selling period wares and much more!
Jim Mullins, guest lecturer and author of “Of Sorts for Provincials,” will also give a talk on the weaponry used by soldiers and the Cherokee during the French and Indian War. He will speak on Saturday, April 6, at 3 p.m.
The role of Fort Dobbs and North Carolina in the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the first true world war, makes up an important chapter in North Carolina’s colonial history. Built in 1756, the fort was named for Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs and manned by provincial soldiers. It was garrisoned from 1756-1761, sheltering frontier settlers during the war and serving as the colony’s western frontier company headquarters. The fort was attacked February 27, 1760, when soldiers fought off more than 60 Cherokee.
Fort Dobbs’ mission is to preserve and interpret the history of North Carolina’s only French and Indian War fort. It is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., offering living history programs daily. Special events and living history weekends are offered throughout the year. For more information on Ft. Dobbs, visit www.fortdobbs.org, call (704) 873-5882 or e-mail info@fortdobbs.org.
Fort Dobbs is part of the Division of N.C. Historic Sites and Properties within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Join the Cultural Resources’ 2009 theme observance of “Treasure N.C. Culture.” For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.