Date: November 16, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. – with optional guided interpretive hike at the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail at Bradley Nature Preserve at 2 p.m. (see below for more information)

Presentation Location: Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve

Speaker: William Caldwell, the National Park Ranger for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

Did you know that the Blue Ridge Mountains played a role in the American Revolution? Join National Park Ranger William Caldwell to learn about the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the story of how frontier settlers from the Blue Ridge Mountains played a key role in the American Revolution and securing our nation’s independence. This lecture is approximately 45 minutes followed by time for questions. Please RSVP below to register for the speaker series presentation.

William Caldwell is the National Park Ranger for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail which consists of a 330-mile network of roads and hiking trails following the route used during the American Revolution by Patriot frontiersmen through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina to reach the pivotal 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain. Established as a National Historic Trail in 1980, Overmountain Victory features a Commemorative Motor Route and growing network of hiking trails allowing visitors to retrace that historic journey. William is the Lead Interpretive Ranger for the trail, traveling its length to provide stories and interpretation of what happened along the trail in 1780, what impact it made in the American Revolution, and how it continues to impact us today.

Optional guided interpretive walk:

Date: November 16, 2024

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail at Bradley Nature Preserve

Guide: William Caldwell, the National Park Ranger for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

A Trail with a Tale: The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is a network of driving routes and hiking trails that follows the path used in 1780 by Patriot frontiersmen during the American Revolution. Join Ranger William Caldwell, the National Park Ranger for the trail, for a guided hike of one of these trails at Alexander’s Ford at Bradley Nature Preserve in Mill Spring, North Carolina. This hike begins with an approximately 1.25-mile hike to the banks of the Green River, hearing the story the trail and how that trail was used in 1780. After arriving at the banks of the Green River and a short break, the trail loops another 1.25-mile back to the trailhead where Ranger William can answer questions and discuss more details about the American Revolution and the Overmountain Victory Trail. Approximate time for the total program is 2 hours.

Space is limited to 30 participants and pre-registration is required. Click here for more information and to RSVP and register for the walk!

The Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Preserve.

*Walnut Creek Preserve is private property and guests are only allowed on the property by invitation (a planned event or scheduled group).  Thank you.

Contact Pam Torlina, [email protected], with questions or for more information.