Overview of our annual Campaign to the Battle of Kings Mountain Re-enactment

This publication is intended to provide only the basic information needed to participate in the annual reenactment of the Campaign to Kings Mountain.  

            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 major roads of today.  Of the 258 miles from Abingdon, VA to Kings Mountain, SC, 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.  There are some 40 miles of off road walking.  Much of that is on the original roadbed.

            The marchers come together at each night’s campsite. The next morning, we march 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 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.  Marcher are free to find their own niche providing they stay within the safety guidelines, common sense and courtesy.     

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 exactly 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. There is no set bedtime, but people usually start drifting off to bed about 9:00 PM or so.  

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 in line 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 who are appropriately attired in 18th century period dress will participate in the 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 used if necessary.   

3. 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.