Historic Martin's Station

at Wilderness Road State Park

2013 Calendar of Events

Please click here for a printable version for ALL of the park's 2013 programs and events

 Special Programs 

May 10-12 : Raid at Martin's Station

Join us as we slip into the shadows of Virginia’s 1776 Wilderness. You will see and hear history come alive as over 300 living historians re-enact life at Joseph Martin’s frontier fort. Watch as two cultures clash and the flames of war are once again ignited on Virginia’s frontier. Activities include tours of Cherokee Warrior and Colonial Militia camps, frontier fort life, and 18th century merchants and colonial traders selling their wares. There will be a special Sons of the American Revolution historical ceremony and wreath laying, Saturday at 10:00 am. Wilderness Road State Park will also be hosting an artisan show which will highlight some of the nation’s premier artisans and their craftsmanship. Throughout the weekend there will be various seminars on 18th century topics conducted by world renowned historians and lecturers, and in honor of Mothers Day we will present  The Frontier Woman program on Sunday at 11:00am.  The highlight of this event will be the frontier battles between Cherokee Warriors and the settlers of Martin’s Station. The first battle will occur Saturday at 1 pm. The special night battle will take place Saturday night at 8:30 pm. War is imminent.

   * Fri. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm : Admission $5 Adults, $1 Children.

   * Special Night Battle Saturday night 8:30 pm : Admission $3 per vehicle.

 October 11-13 : Martin's Station Fall Encampment

Wilderness Road State Park brings the frontier to life with a weekend of history and adventure. At Historic Martin’s Station, you will be immersed in living history and will meet historical figures such as Joseph Martin, John Redd, Ebenezer Titus and others. Visit an 18th century market fair and meet skilled colonial tradesmen and participate in life as it was on Virginia’s frontier.  

   * Fri. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun. 10:00 am – 3:00 pm : Admission $5 Adults, $1 Children.

   * Special evening hours Saturday night 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

December 7 : A Frontier Christmas

Join us for a festive, yuletide celebration of music and caroling as the Christmas spirit illuminates the Virginia frontier. Enjoy a candlelit tour of Historic Martin’s Station at the height of the Yuletide Season. Take part in the historic festivities, or just sit back and enjoy a warm fire in a settler’s cozy cabin.  

   * Saturday, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Free Admission. Parking Rates do apply. 

Militia Musters  -  Program presentations at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

May 25   Remembering America’s Patriots

There was turmoil in 1775 in Virginia as we faced the world’s mightiest army. Many thought the colonies had no chance at gaining Independence from King George. Join us as we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who gave all for freedom.  

June 8 - 9   To Catch a Spark

Fire is essential to life. The search for the knowledge to create fire has occurred continuously  throughout history.  Join us to learn about the tools and techniques our frontier forefathers used to catch a spark and create fire.

June 22   The Longhunters

1775 was the heyday of the long hunters.  Men such as Daniel Boone, Kasper Mansker, Henry Skaggs, and more traded the plow for a rifle and turned to the wilderness to seek their fortune. Join Elisha Walden and John Redd at their hunters camp as they reminisce about past hunts and adventures while chasing their dreams in Virginia. 

July 4   Declaration of Independence

News spread across Virginia’s frontier that On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, approved a Declaration of Independence, severing the colonies' ties to the British Crown. Join the men and women at Martin’s Station as they receive this news of liberty.

July 13-14   With Powder and Lead

Firearms were an essential part of life during the colonization of America. They served as a means of supplying food, self protection, and tools of war.  Join us as we demonstrate the different arms used by citizens and soldiers during the 18th century. 

August 10-11   Split and Hued

The log cabin was the shelter of choice throughout the colonies. Almost every man acquired the skill to use wedges, gluts, and a broad axe for survival.  Join Bill Maddox and the folks at Martin’s Station as they demonstrate the tools and techniques used in the construction of a frontier cabin.

September 2   Apprentices and Journeymen

During the 18th century skills and labor were taught to apprentices by master craftsmen.  This technique was invaluable to those lucky enough to serve in an apprenticeship and to a labor force supporting a new nation.  Men such as Joseph Martin, Daniel Boone, and Squire Boone were apprentices as young men and their learned skills would soon help create a nation. 

September 14-15   Women on the Frontier

The colonial frontier wasn’t settled by men alone. Join the Women of Martin’s Station to learn of their life and hardships as they raised their families along the Wilderness Road and made their new home on the frontier. 

November 9-10   A Shot of Vengence

Joseph Martin had two, 2lb. Grasshopper cannons on the 1776 Cherokee campaign when North Carolina and Virginia Militias raided the Overhill Cherokee towns. Join us as we fire one of our guns and Demonstrate the manner in which artillery was used on Virginia’s frontier.

Evening Programs  

July 7   Alarm at Martin's Station

Attack is imminent. Prepare yourself for a night of danger as a hostile war party approaches Martin’s Station. Will you stand with Captain Martin in defending hearth and home? Begins at 8:30 pm.

August 11   Fire in the Night

As night falls upon Martin’s Station, sit by the fire and listen to stories of danger, courage and adventure on Virginia’s frontier. Begins at 8:00 pm. 

September 7   Boone the Pathfinder

In honor of Daniel Boone, Wilderness Road State Park will host a special evening program commemorating his life and accomplishments in Virginia and Kentucky. Begins at 6:30 pm.

Junior Pioneers

June 10-13  

This is a fun educational program for kids. Children will experience how their frontier forefathers lived.

                * Kids ages 6 to 12 can participate in this program.

                 Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm   -  

                 Thursday Awards Day

                 * pre-registration required

 Click here for the Park's Nature and General Schedule of Events!

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