History Happenings for May

May's "History Happenings" feature a new event plus several others celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. But first a couple of short emails I received on my history in April column. One email noted that there were two Civil War related birthdays in April that I didn't list. The first was James Buchanan, born April 23, 1791. Buchanan was president before Abraham Lincoln and was pro states' rights and pro slavery. He did very little to persuade states against secession. The second birthday was Ulysses S. Grant, born April 27, 1822. Grant was the general "who could do the math" as Lincoln put it, and defeat Robert E. Lee. The "Hero of Appomattox" would become the 18th president. The second email pointed out that Thomas Jefferson wasn't the only founding father of the U.S. born in April. James Monroe, born April 28, 1758, was a founding father and the fifth president of the country. He was most noted for the "Monroe Doctrine" limiting European colonialism in the Americas. I suspect there were other famous moments in American history in April that I left out, but there is only so much space. Speaking of space, let's get on with May's "History Happenings." ROCKY MOUNT STATE HISTORIC SITE Rocky Mount State Historic Site is starting a new event May 22-24, according to Jami West, executive assistant at the site located in Piney Flats. "Last year we partnered with the OVTA (Overmountain Victory Trail Association) to have 'Early Frontier Days,' which was quite early in the year itself," West said. "This year, with the Fort Loudon trade fair no longer happening, we wanted to really unite all our interpreters, sutlers, merchants, blanket traders and all the colonial era to come out and do a trade fair here." "At the end of May, in collaboration with the OVTA, we're going to have 'Early Frontier Days and Colonial Trade Fair.' We will have sutlers come out that are going to have demonstrations, have colonial period clothing and only using tools they would have used back then to create these crafts," she said. West pointed out that the community of sutlers, merchants and colonial trade fair people in general is so spread out. "We've invited people all the way down in Alabama and Illinois and some of them are coming," she said, adding that there were sutlers coming from North Carolina and Virginia as well. "Another really awesome thing about it is that anyone in the public, anyone at all, that wants to dress colonially that day, they get in for free," she said. Rocky Mount State Historic Site is located at 200 Hyder Hill Road in Piney Flats. NETHERLAND INN AND HISTORIC BOATYARD The Netherland Inn and Boatyard kicks off the 2026 season at the site with "Celebrating 250 Years on the Banks of the Holston River." Two hundred fifty years ago, brave pioneers came to the banks of the Holston to build flatboats and travel westward. On Saturday, May 2, from 2-4 p.m., visitors can listen to live music, watch period dancing demonstrations, play a game of checkers in the tavern, interact with Revolutionary War re-enactors, visit with "Rebecca Boone" in the Boone cabin, peruse documents from the 18th and 19th centuries, and learn about flatboats and how far west they traveled, all while celebrating our country's 250th anniversary. The Netherland Inn is located on Netherland Inn Road in Kingsport. TIPTON-HAYNES STATE HISTORIC SITE On Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tipton-Haynes will host the "Peddler's Post Flea Market." Come enjoy a vendor flea market on site as several local artisans present their wares. Demonstrations of craft making will also be taking place. If you are in need of any hand-crafted materials/gifts, there is a chance that one of these vendors may have it. There is no admission charged for this event. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 S. Roan St. in Johnson City. HISTORIC BLOUNTVILLE The Old Deery Inn begins its celebration of our country's 250th anniversary on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Back in the day the inn was referred to as "The Mansion and the Tavern," and with the return of the original bar from the early 1800s and new acquisitions throughout, the inn has returned to those glory days. In addition, the Sullivan County Historical Preservation Association is organizing a display of "Mountain Baskets — Old and New" as part of this celebration. "Belly up to the bar" for some sparkling cider, see a basket making demonstration and bring Mom for free admission. EXCHANGE PLACE LIVING HISTORY FARM On Saturday, May 9, the Eden's Ridge Hearth Cookery Society and Exchange Place Junior Apprentices will be hosting a special event at Exchange Place Living History Farm in celebration of America's 250th birthday. "Open Doors!" will feature living history demonstrations all over the historic farmstead. In the kitchen and Cook's Cabin, learn about what George Washington ate for breakfast and how folks in the 19th century celebrated him through food. In the blacksmith forge, see a handy device — a squirrel cooker — being hammered out on the anvil. In the Main House, watch as wool from Exchange Place's Cotswold sheep is spun on a great wheel, and try your hand at spinning using a drop spindle. Play old-fashioned games in the schoolhouse and help water the heirloom plants in the garden. "Open Doors!" will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for those 12 years and older, with those under 12 being admitted free. The event is subject to cancellation because of inclement weather. No food or drink will be served at the event, so guests are encouraged to bring snacks and water bottles. For more information, go to the Exchange Place website, https://exchangeplacetn.org/?p=7878. SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC PARK On May 16-17, Sycamore Shoals will host its "Spring Muster at Fort Watauga Day." Join numerous living history demonstrators, re-enactors and heritage interpreters as they bring the 18th century frontier to life. Visit the militia encampment, Fort Watauga and enjoy Revolutionary War era tactical demonstrations. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke and see history come to life during at Fort Watauga. Ned Jilton II is a photographer, history lover and columnist. You can contact him at ndjphoto@aol.com.