2011 Calendar

2011 MARCH SCHEDULE WITH SAFETY RULES

Each year, since 1975, the OVTA has held an annual re-enactment march to commemorate the Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain.

In the early years of the Commemorative March the OVTA walked every step of the 228 miles of the trail from Abingdon, VA to Kings Mountain, SC. As time has passed and as development and traffic has restricted walking, we now walk that portion of the trail that is historically significant and safe to walk.

Our emphasis is now on educating the public along the trail. During the 2006 March, we told the Story of the Overmountain Men to almost 4,000 people, 3,000 were school aged children. On the 2007 March we topped 5,700 people during the 2 week March. In 2008 our numbers grew again and in 2009 and 10 we programmed over 21,000 total people, most of them school children.

Please click on the buttons to the left to review the Annual March information or read below:

General Information:

         The annual reenactment of the Campaign to Kings Mountain is NOT a backpacking wilderness experience. It is a combination of woods trail, road walking and car camping. Most of the roads the Overmountain Men followed in 1780 have become the roads of today. Of the 258 miles from Abingdon to Kings Mountain, less than 100 miles remain that can be safely walked because of highway traffic and speed. Over the years, a “reenactment route” has emerged that offers walkers a chance to get off highways and into the woods or on back roads.  There are some 40 miles of off-road walking—much of that on remnants of the  original roadbeds.

The marchers come together at each night’s campsite. The next morning, we follow the Trail on to the next campsite, shuttle back for our vehicles and then repeat the process over again all the way down the trail.

We do take frequent breaks--usually every hour or so--to give everyone a chance to rest. On the more difficult segments everyone is allowed to walk at their own pace. Most people find the trail becomes less difficult and demanding as the March progresses because the terrain becomes easier once we cross the mountains and conditioning is improved by the daily walking. 

The atmosphere of the reenactment is informal with a strong sense of camaraderie developing quickly. Participants expect each person to be able to take care of themselves. The marchers respect the individuality of each other and recognize that people come to the march for different reasons and take different experiences back home with them.  Participants are free to find their own niche providing they stay within the safety guidelines, common sense and courtesy.  

Liability: OVTA carries liability insurance. However, it is the responsibility of each participant to act and conduct themselves safely and with respect for others to minimize the risks of accidents or incidents. 

This narrative sets forth the rules, policies and expectations for everyone participating in the March. Each participant in the reenactment will be asked to sign a release form.

Daily Schedules: Each day begins with a wakeup call at 6:00 AM followed by breakfast about 7:00 AM. The days march begins at 8:00 AM. You Must Be Ready To Depart At 8:00 AM Sharp!  Lunch is some time around midday. Supper is between 5:30 and 7:00 PM.  While there is no set bedtime, quiet-time in camp begins at 10PM.   

Weather:  You should be prepared for almost any weather conditions ranging from scorching heat to freezing temperatures to drizzle and heavy rains

Vehicles:  Having your own vehicle is a necessity. Otherwise, you must rely on someone else to store and transport your possessions and equipment as well as finding yourself a ride.

Vehicle shuttles are usually done in the afternoon after reaching that day’s campsite. Generally, County Marshals are responsible for getting the marchers back to their vehicles to run the shuttle. We will make all group movements in convoy. Please follow these procedures:

1. A front and rear vehicle that knows the route to the destination will be selected. Please stay between these two vehicles.

2. Do not run red lights or stop signs. All rules of the road and liability still apply.

3. Be aware of non-convoy vehicles—especially if they cut into the convoy (don‘t follow the wrong car).

4. Keep the car ahead and behind you in sight. If the car behind you falls back for some reason, slow down to ensure you keep it in sight. This will help adjust the speed of the entire convoy and keep everyone together. 

5. If you get stopped at a red light or stop sign--especially while going through towns--DON’T PANIC!  The vehicles in front of you will likely stop and wait when they notice you are gone. If not, you will have a vehicle behind you that knows the way and can take over the lead. If you do pull over for some reason, make sure it is safe to do so and that there is enough room for all the vehicles behind you to pull off also. 

6. Those who are familiar with the route and wish to make a stop are asked to not join in the convoy. Otherwise, they might confuse those behind them when they pull off. 

Programs: Programs are given to schools and community groups along the trail to educate people about the significance of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the contribution the Overmountain Men made in winning America’s Independence. Every effort has been made to ensure the programs do not interfere with walking off-road segments of the Trail.  Programs will range from a basic lecture to demonstrations to an “interactive” format using skits and re-creations to depict historical events.

Since we are indeed interpreting history in our programs, it is important that the participants be authentic in their facts and in their dress. Only those marchers appropriately attired in 18th century period dress will participate in historic programs.

Safety During the Reenactment

Safety is a serious concern during the reenactment since we walk along roads and highways, carry real weapons and are occasionally joined by school children and other groups. We are proud that we have never had a serious injury since the March started in 1975. It is important that all participants understand that any breach of the safety rules will be dealt with quickly and decisively. Safety is the responsibility of every individual. Each participant must be careful to ensure that their actions do not endanger themselves or others. Here are the safety rules.

1. The Grand Marshal and the Safety Marshal are in command of the reenactment. Failure to follow their instructions or directions can result in dismissal from the reenactment, particularly if the safety of others is threatened. 

2. Any participant whose behavior disrupts the reenactment or threatens the safety or well-being of others will be asked to leave. Assistance from local law enforcement agencies will be called for if necessary. 

3. On walking days, a point and a rear guard will be selected each morning. Please stay between these guards.

4. Do not leave the trail or campsite for any reason, even if for a brief period, without first notifying the Grand Marshal or the Safety Marshal. 

5. Do not cross roads until road guards are in position and the command to cross is given.

6. When walking on roads following vehicles or being escorted by local police, keep to the right, walking with the direction of traffic. Do not cross the centerline or move to the left of the vehicles. Stay well behind the lead vehicles and well in front of the trailing vehicles.

7. When not escorted by vehicles keep to the shoulder facing traffic. Keep off the road and as far from the pavement edge as possible. This seems to be a chronic problem with marchers so please do your best to cooperate.

8. Be alert to passing vehicles. Pass along traffic warnings as needed by calling out “FRONT” or “REAR” to indicate the direction that vehicles are coming from. 

9. When marching with school children, be alert to safety problems they may create or find themselves in. Report those problems to their teacher or leader immediately. It is the responsibility of their teachers or leaders to supervise the children while they are with us. 

10. When marching on off-road trails, be careful, alert and watch your step. While poisonous snakes are rare, yellow jackets, hornets, poison ivy, trip hazards and a myriad of other things that occur naturally in the wild pose risks. Be aware of those risks and act with common sense. Do not drink any water found along the trail unless you treat it first. 

11. Participants are asked to complete a medical form indicating whether you have any conditions that we should be aware of. Notify the Grand or Safety Marshal immediately if you have any type of physical or medical problems. 

12. “Open” alcohol or controlled substances not prescribed by a doctor are prohibited. 

13. Since the marchers live together in close proximity for 2 weeks, respect and decorum are essential to ensure an enjoyable environment for all. Profanity, obscene or off-color talk or inappropriate behavior will not be allowed. 

14. Appropriate Age is usually stated as 8 to 80, but anyone who is physically capable of making that day’s march is welcome to join us. However, do not count on having “support” vehicles along in which to ride if you tire. This is especially true with children. If you bring children, you will be completely responsible for them. You must ensure that they are well behaved and quiet at the appropriate times and do not become a distraction to other marchers or during programs.

Weapons Safety Rules

1. Only weapons that are representative of the 18th century may be carried on the Trail during the reenactment. This includes firelocks, bayonets, knives, tomahawks or hand axes, sabers, war clubs or other weapons appropriate to the period. NO cap locks are allowed

2. Black Powder Safety regulations presented during training by staff of Cowpens National Battlefield and/or Tennessee State Parks will be used.

3. The opinions, decisions or directives of the Grand Marshal, Safety Marshal or any trained black powder safety officer that is present at any demonstrations, ceremonies or programs shall be final in regards to any safety issues.

4. Each person carrying a firelock on the Trail or participating in any drills, demonstrations, ceremonies or programs must attend a safety briefing that will be conducted several times during the reenactment. 

5. Weapon safety is paramount. Anyone handling any weapon in an unsafe or dangerous manner will be asked to put the weapon away or surrender it until the campsite is reached. 

6. Any person, who because of physical conditions or limitations cannot safely handle their firelock during any drill or firing demonstration, ceremony or program, will not be allowed to participate.

7. Each individual is ultimately and completely responsible for the control and supervision of their weapons. No visitors, particularly school children, should be allowed to hold or otherwise handle or touch any weapons of any type.

8. All firelocks used in firing demonstrations MUST pass safety inspections. Safety inspections of each firelock will be held in the morning before the day’s march begins and prior to all demonstrations or programs. That inspection includes:

a. Ensuring the barrel is empty and free of obstructions

b. The lock supports the weight of the weapon while at half-cock

c. The lock’s cock will hold on full-cock when pushed with the thumb.

d. All firelocks must be equipped with a hammerstall (leather frizzen cover) and a flash guard. 

e. Inspection of the gun bag and powder horn to ensure no “contraband” is present.

f. Any firelock, in the opinion of the Grand Marshal or Safety Marshal or black powder safety officer that may be present, that is too dirty or fouled or has other mechanical conditions that render it unsafe to be fired or used will be removed from the line.  

9. OVTA will provide all black powder in pre-rolled cartridges.  NO black powder will be carried in a powder horn.  All powder used in firing demonstrations will be loaded from paper cartridges.  All powder horns must be empty!  NO EXCEPTIONS!   Those using priming flasks or priming horns will provide their own priming powder.

10. NO projectiles of any kind, including wadding or any other material, shall be rammed down the barrel at any time during the reenactment.  NO RAMMING!

11. All edged weapons including knives, tomahawks, swords, sabers, etc., are to be sheathed in such a way that no part of the edge is exposed.

12. No ball or other projectile that could be fired from that weapons will be carried during the reenactment.  Note:  The person “telling the story” may carry rifle and musket balls to demonstrate the difference in size that the opposing forces faced.

13. Anyone handling a weapon in a threatening or intentionally dangerous manner will be immediately reported to local law enforcement.