STATESVILLE — For some free family fun, drop by Fort Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville on Saturday, July 18, for a “Hands on History” program spotlighting how 18th-century soldiers lived here during the French and Indian War. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., visitors of all ages will have a chance to step into the shoes of a mid-18th century soldier and learn the marching drills taught to frontier fighters who lived here from 1756-1761.
This is the second installment in a new three-part interactive presentation held on the third Saturday of each summer month. The 30-minute learning experience is tied to the fort’s history. The June presentation focused on period weapons and ammunition; on Saturday, Aug. 15, visitors will be able to find out about what the Fort Dobbs soldiers ate while on duty. More details on the August “Hands on History” program will be sent out later.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to take part in this unique program. For more information on the fort and its summer program, visit www.fortdobbs.org,
call (704) 873-5882 or e-mail info@fortdobbs.org.
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. The state historic site is located one mile from I-77 and I-40 in Statesville. Special events and living history weekends are offered throughout the year.
Fort Dobbs is part of the Division of N.C. Historic Sites and Properties within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the 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.