Where did they travel
The Expedition started at Sycamore Shoals, State Park in Elizabethton, TN and continued to Netherland Inn at Kingsport, TN. and Gate City, VA. From there they followed the pathway of Daniel Boone into Virginia to include The Wilderness Road Block House at Natural Tunnel State Park and on to Martins Station Fort at Wilderness Road State Park.
The participants then crossed Cumberland Gap National Historical Park arriving in Middlesboro, KY. The reenactors continued to Pine Mountain Resort State Park, Barboursville, Levi Jackson State Park, Livingston Frontier museum, Berea, Richmond and Fort Boonesborough Historic State Park. The journey concluded at Lexington, KY.
The Expedition Schedule
May 7th, 2016 – Sycamore Shoals, Elizabethton, TN
May 8th, 2016 – Netherland Inn and Exchange Place, Kingsport, TN
May 9th, 2016 – Gate City, VA
May 10-12th, 2016 – The Wilderness Road Blockhouse/Natural Tunnel SP, VA
May 13-14th, 2016 – Martin’s Station at Wilderness Road SP, VA.
May 15th, 2016 noon- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
May 15th, 2016 afternoon – Bell County Tourism visitors Ctr, Middlesboro, KY
May 16-17th, 2016 – Pine Mountain Resort SP. Pineville, KY
May 18-19th, 2016 – Knox County Tourism Visitors Ctr, Barbourville, KY
May 21-22, 2016 – Levi Jackson SP, London, KY
May 24-25th, 2016 – Trail Head Museum, Livingston, KY
May 26-27th, 2016 – Berea, KY
May 28-29, 2016 – Fort Boonesborough SP, KY
May 30th, 2016 – Lexington, KY
The Frontiersmen
Mark Sage, writer for frontier and muzzle loading magazines lead the group. It was Mark’s suggestion that we make the journey, and he raised funds and managed the formation of the group. His skills in outdoor activities helped to select the men, horses and equipment to make such a challenging journey. He lives in Minnesota. He enjoys canoe trips upon the many lakes and rivers, riding in his home made birch bark canoe. His knowledge of the woods and history made him the perfect leader for this group.
David Wright assisted Mark with the formation of the event and rode over the Cumberland Gap on May 15th with his grandson, Jeremiah. David is also an avid outdoorsman, going on long hunts with bare essentials. He also makes trips to the Rocky Mountains for hunting on horseback. Wright’s internationally recognized works hang in numerous collections, as well as in the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, GA, and the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville. David’s commissioned painting for Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, titled Gateway to the West – Daniel Boone Leading The Settlers Through The Cumberland Gap, 1775 has been made into a breathtaking wall-size mural that is on display at the Cumberland Gap Visitor’s Center.
Rusty Cottrell portrayed “Chief Black Hoof” chief of the Shawnee nation. His interpretation of Black Hoof is exciting and educational. The vast knowledge of the American Indians helped us understand their role in the 1700s. Children especially enjoyed his presentation.
Cindy Jackson has owned, trained and been riding horses practically her entire life. In her younger days she competed in speed events like barrel racing and pole bending. She is a reenactor and history interpreter.
Larry Spisak reenacted George Gibson, one of the original group’s fiddlers. Representing the US Army, he participated in many bicentennial festivals and events across the country, including an appearances at the Pentagon. In the past, Larry has portrayed as a member of Captain Meriwether Lewis’ Company.
Gene Shadley: His relatives came to America in 1754. Three of them fought in the Revolutionary War under George Washington. He began building and shooting muzzle loaders in the late 1960s and his interest continued to grow. He is a Master Cutler and is a past President of the worldwide Knife Makers Guild. Gene has co-authored a book and has taught others about his craft.
John Hayes is Freelance writer and an attorney. John has many years experience shooting with flintlock muzzleloaders. He often interprets an 18th century Virginia hunter and draws from his everyday experiences in using the clothing, gear and firearms of the 1760’s and 1770’s. He and his wife Connie live on 40 acres in the woods of Sugar Hills near Cohasset, Minnesota.
Brittney Ryan is a therapist at Deer Run Stables in Richmond, KY. She is skilled at working with horses in the horse therapy treatment program. In addition to attending to the daily management and care of the horses, Brittney rode in period clothing and spoke about horse therapy on the journey.
