Visitors will be taken back to the earliest days of Port Royal by hearing a first hand account by long hunter and settler John Montgomery. They will then continue on their journey through time by meeting various residents from the 1830’s through the 1920’s, all have their unique stories to tell. Afterwards there will be hot apple cider, and other refreshments, as well as a bonfire to huddle around and swap stories with present day locals! The event is free and open to the public. This is the perfect fall evening outing for the whole family.

A tour listens to one of the re-enactors tell his tale

Located in Adams, Port Royal was the site of one of the earliest colonial communities and trading posts in Middle Tennessee.  It was first settled in the early 1780s, and also served as a Longhunter camp as early as 1775. The town of Port Royal was founded in 1797 and rose to great prominence in the early part of the 19th century because of its strategic location at the head of navigation on the Red River, serving all of northern Middle Tennessee and South Central Kentucky. Port Royal became the only stop in Tennessee on the “Great Western Road” stagecoach line between Nashville, Tennessee, and Golconda, Illinois, and served as such until the 20th century. In 1977, the state of Tennessee received the deed to 26 acres of land at Port Royal and designated it a State Historic Park in 1978.

Port Royal State Park is the second Tennessee State Park to be named an official site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, joining Red Clay State Historic Park in Bradley County.   This park is a satellite of Dunbar Cave State Park.  For more information about the park, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/PortRoyal.

For more information or questions about this event and the park please contact Port Royal State Historic Area at 931-358-9696

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The walk remembers the plight of the Native Americans forced from their ancestral homes to the Indian territory in what became the State of Oklahoma. Diary records of the removal mentioned Port Royal, the last stop before leaving Tennessee, as an encampment site where the Cherokee stayed to re-supply, grind corn and rest. Hundreds of Cherokee died during their trip west, and thousands more perished as a consequence of relocation.

The third annual Trail of Tears Memorial Walk

Members of the Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club

Attendance this year was somewhat lower than expected most likely due to the cold wet weather on Saturday, but it picked up with the warm sunny weather on Sunday. NCC Treasurer Philenese Slaughter said “Everyone who attended had a wonderful time.” she had especially glowing praise for the Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club who preformed on Saturday, “The Hawaiian dancers added a lot, and are wonderful. I want to thank them for coming out and sharing their culture with the mainland Indians.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

WWII Veteran John Clark

Part of the Grand Entry ceremony that opens the Powwow each day is giving special recognition to the Active duty soldiers, and Veterans from all branches of the Military that are present. One of those recognized was John Clark who fought in the United States Army in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II. He celebrated his 91st birthday at the Powwow this year. John was accompanied by his daughter who was also a retired army veteran. The Women Veterans of America had a booth at the Powwow providing information about their organization to the attendees.

The Head lady this year was supposed to be Jill Smith, but she became ill a day before the Powwow began, and was sent home to recover. The head man was Chris Crosby. Faron Weeks the Master of Ceremony. Charles Page served as the Head Vet. Shawn Longfeather as the arena master. The Powwow Princess was Christa Koontz. The host drum was The White Horse Singers from Alabama. The guest drum was Southern Echo which hales from East Tennessee.

The Powwow showcased the best of Native American culture, and in doing so reminded us all of the heritage of this great land that we all call home. And since in Tennessee October is “Native American Indian Month,” the Powwow was a great way to celebrate it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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The chant begins and the drums follow, dancers enter the circle clad in bright colors, with open honest faces. They circle around once, twice, three times each dancer projecting their own clearly palpable welter of emotions. They exit the circle and the crowd gathers around them, it is a celebration. Welcome to the 12th annual Clarksville Native Cultural Circle Intertribal Powwow.

The Powwow showcases the culture, heritage, and traditions of all Native Americans. This years powwow is being held on October 10th and 11th . Located on Highway 238 in Port Royal, just past Port Royal State Park. The festivities start around 9:00 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday. The Grand Entry which officially opens each day begins around Noon.

Everyone is welcome, it does not matter if you are a Native American or not! Being your family out and share in the fellowship that is such a huge part of Native American culture. Let the tranquility of the powwow grounds refresh your spirit.

One of the many traditional dances from the 2008 NCC Intertribal Powwow

NCC 2008 Powwow Head Lady Loretta Howard

The Head lady this year is Jill Smith, the head man is Chris Crosby. Faron Weeks is the Master of Ceremony. Charles Page is serving as the Head Vet. Shawn Longfeather is the arena master. This year’s Powwow Princess is Christa Koontz. The host drum is The White Horse Singers from Alabama. This year the guest drum is Southern Echo which hales from East Tennessee.

Traditional dances are part and parcel to powwows, there will be special children’s and young peoples dances as well. Scheduled performers include the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club, a storyteller and flute players. Like all festivals, vendors will be on hand, however Native vendors at powwows offer only authentic Native American jewelry, arts and crafts and clothing. There will also be vendors offering food and beverages for sale. The Host Drum, The White Horse Singers have their first Album available on CD for purchase.

Members of the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club perform at the 2008 NCC Powwow

There is a small admission fee: Adults are 5$; Active duty military- with ID, and children, 15 years of age and under, are admitted free; Senior citizens 65 and older pay only $2. there is no charge for parking. Proceeds from the Powwow are used to purchase Native American textbooks which are donated to area school libraries. The NCC is an charitable education non-profit organization. Charitable donations are appreciated, and are tax deductible. Visitors are reminded to wear comfortable shoes, bring a lawn chair and wear sun cover and sunscreen.

NCC Trail of Tears Memorial Walk

Be sure to come out early on Saturday October 10th, and take part in the 3rd Annual NCC trail of Tears Memorial Walk which will begin at 10:00am. The walk remembers the forced removal of the native tribes from their homelands to the Indian Territory in what became the State of Oklahoma. Diary records of the removal mentioned Port Royal, the last stop before leaving Tennessee, as an encampment site where the Cherokee stayed to re-supply, grind corn and rest. Hundreds of Cherokee died during their trip west, and thousands more perished as a consequence of relocation.

Schedule of Events

A small note these times are approximate. Native Americans typically operate on what is jokingly known as “Native American Standard time,” which basically means “it happens, when it happens”.

Saturday

• Gates open – 9 a.m.
• Port Royal Memorial Trail of Tears Walk – 10 a.m.
• Welcome – 12 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 12 p.m.
• Posting the colors and Flag Song
• Demonstrations, dancing, and storytelling
• Retiring of the colors
• Activities end at 6 p.m.
• Dinner for Drums, Dancers, Vendors, and Staff

Sunday

• Gates open – 10 a.m.
• Welcome – 12:30 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 1 p.m.
• Posting the colors and Flag Song
• Demonstrations, dancing, and storytelling
• Retiring of the colors
• Activities end at 5 p.m.

Sponsors are appreciated

The Native Cultural Circle wishes to thank all of their sponsors again this year for their support in the festival booklet. Individuals, organizations and local businesses are encouraged to show their support for this local cultural celebration. Super 8 Motel, Huntco Drive and M.L.K. Pky, just left from I-24 Exit 11, is serving as honorary guest hotel.

For more info, email inquiries to: or .

“Since history has no properly scientific value, its only purpose is educative. And if historians neglect to educate the public, if they fail to interest it intelligently in the past, then all their historical learning is valueless except in so far as it educates themselves.” G. M. Trevelyan.

The Port Royal Covered Bridge has finally been dismantled and hauled away to reinvent itself as a sturdy barn for a local farmer. The actual removal process on both sides of the river took about three weeks total, but the effect will have on the park could take years to overcome. I did not grow up here in Clarksville, nor did any of my family, so for me it has been hard to find sympathy for the dedicated supporters of the remains of the bridge.

The bridge was first built in 1903, then fell during construction, killing one young boy; it was rebuilt and then fell again in the 1970’s due to a storm and was rebuilt again and fell in the mid 1990’s to flooding, where it remained until recently. The original bridge was much larger than its later versions and only served the community of Port Royal for a short time in its history. However, there were many fond times there, weddings, schoolboy mischief, stolen kisses and family outings.

Mrs. Meadows down the road says she can still remember her youngest daughter race her brother across the creaky wooden beams on her bicycle. “I can still see her flying across that bridge, laughing all the way.”

For those, the bridge represented a happy time, a carefree time, a simpler time a time to always hold dear.

For those of us who are trying to rekindle another part of the town’s history, the bridge was more often times a thorn in our sides.

“When are they going to rebuild the bridge?” We would so often hear.

It was never “Can you show me exactly where the Indians may have camped during the journey on the Trail of Tears?”

or “Where was Bertha Borne’s store that served this community proudly for so many years?”

Or how about ” How many Forts and settlements were located in this area?”

Yes, I know that “the bridge” is a part of this area’s recent history, I get that, but for the purpose of this park, it’s not that part of history they are focusing on. Not only had it become an eye sore, it stood as a constant reminder of what used to be and only spurned unwarranted bitterness toward local state parks and government. Who, by the way, took great pains to be sensitive to everyone’s feelings about the bridge and hope to bring other opportunities to the table to begin new traditions, form new family memories and above all educate the public on what Port Royal and the Red River community once was.

What remains here now is a lone pillar, standing victoriously on the bank of the Red River, just like she has stood since the callused hands first built her stone by cold solid stone. She is a bit scarred, a bit cracked, but she continues to stand as a reminder of what once was, the last standing reminder of the original bridge. She has been an accomplice to a young man’s murder, held her ground through countless tornado’s and been washed clean by a springtime flooding. She has lent her shoulders to heavy beams and the occasional Heron nest, now the weight has been lifted, and she still stands. You should come out and see her; she’s really quite marvelous!

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/11/14/all-that-remains/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/11/11/port-royal-lantern-tour-unveils-treasures-of-local-history/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/11/11/port-royal-lantern-tour-unveils-treasures-of-local-history/#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:00:33 +0000 Turner McCullough Jr. http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=11809 This nighttime lantern tour of the historic state park offers visitors insight into aspects of local history not readily available, and, too often, not pursued. Moving along softly illuminated trails, re-enactors share the area’s secrets for willing ears.

In what is hopefully to become an annual event, the Port Royal Historic State Park, now listed as an official Trail of Tears Park, staged their Lantern History Tour. The tour was not a Halloween fright-type of celebration, but rather an effort to share the history of this most under-appreciated area of Montgomery County and it’s contributions to Clarksville’s history. The Lantern Tour is the result of the combined efforts of The Friends of Port Royal and the Port Royal Park staff and supporters. The event, which was free to the public, ended with a roaring bonfire, toasted marshmallows and hot cider.

Col. John Montgomery

Entering the park along and down the candle-lit pathway, visitors first encounter a Longhunter, Colonel John Montgomery, played by Michael Ramsey, an APSU student and volunteer at Mansker Station in Goodlettsville. The colonel’s story relates experiences of his life spent trapping in Port Royal and exploration of the region in 1771. Leaving the colonel with his trusty long rifle, visitors move further on into the park, guided by illuminated mini-torch baggettes.

Next on the trail is an early settler woman, Susannah McFadden, portrayed by Silvia Britton, also a Mansker Station volunteer. Susannah relates the experience of living on the new frontier, its hardships, her surprises and her experiences of taking pioneers into the new frontier of 1790. She is an unusual entity, being a woman frontier guide in 1790.

The woods are thick, as next, Doctor George Hopson welcomes visitors to his encampment. He bids everyone gather round close. Portrayed by Sam Reed in true period dress, the doctor authors the one truly spooky element of the tour, the events, history and legend of the Bell Family and the Bell Witch. It’s best to hear these details directly from the good doctor. It’s said she listens out for her name.

Having bid the doctor thanks, the path next leads to a truly sorrowful acknowledge of mankind wronged by fellow man. Clad in leggings, with cap and rifle, puffing on a long stemmed pipe, with his Native American wife and her mother, a Scottish trading post merchant who married a Cherokee woman and refused to abandon her and his children, tells of how they were forced onto the Trail of Tears in 1838. Portrayed by “Red” Kirby, Virginia Moore and Philenese Slaughter, respectively, the saga of having been given land and a promise of ownership unto perpetuity by General Jackson himself, having then built a trading store business and started a family, he lost it all when the forced relocation of the Native American Nations of North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama forced itself upon his little corner of the world. Refusing to abandon his Cherokee wife and children, he was stripped of his property and they were made part of the Trail of Tears to the Oklahoma Territory out West. As this saga ends, we leave their encampment with the low-burning fire and the women wrapped in their diseased-infected blankets, looking forlornly back to the East, to their Tennessee hill country home.

Leaving the fading embers of the Trail of Tears fire, next one progresses up the path to encounter next the unfortunate, or unscrupulous, A.D. Carden, a primary commissioner of Port Royal’s silk mill venture. Carden is portrayed by Michael Fullbright, a seasonal interpretative ranger with Dunbar Cave Park. Carden tells of how the silk mill business started out, proving quite profitable and how the commissioners decided it prudent to upgrade their operation, entrusted Mr. Carden with $30,000 to purchase the new machinery in England. However, Carden disappeared afterwards without a trace, never to be heard from again and with no explanation to the commissioners. As they had entrusted him with the sum of their money, the mill operation failed. Carden’s fortunes and fate remain unresolved. [Ed. Note: State Archives record note no silk mill operation in Port Royal, only an attempt to start to one which failed when Carden disappeared with the funds.]

As Mr. Carden fades back into the dark towards a rustic bridge, the tour moves out towards the park’s interpretive center. Illuminated by the glow of kerosene lamps on a wooden writing table, Henry Winter, portrayed by Tim Henson, historian, begins to talk of the 1900 to 1915 time known as The Tobacco Wars. These turbulent years in Tennessee and Kentucky focused on efforts of tobacco farmers to be paid decent prices for their tobacco crops and the market manipulation tactics of the tobacco giants to suppress the prices. Southerns are, by habit, resistant to unions and organized groups, however the farmers saw joining together as their only recourse in the battle the tobacco companies waged.

Voluntarily membership was their ploy, at first, but as the tobacco companies began to apply strong-arm tactics and persuasion, the farmers’ groups resorted to violent enlistment and compliance. These intimidating groups rode across the region at night and thus were known as Night Riders. They launched attacks on the tobacco companies warehouses and threatened area farmers with violence and physical harm if they did not join the association or if they sought to make separate deals with the tobacco companies. There were white and black Night Rider groups, as the South was still very much a segregated society, even in the farm land. The Tobacco Wars made an already difficult life even more desperate as every aspect of the economic and social life of the people was impacted by the shortage of funds and the inability to pay debts or even pay tithes to the local churches.

Leaving the interpretative center, head for the bonfire and refreshments of mulled cider and toasted marshmallows. The warmth of the fire is a perfect setting for questioning the re-enactors for more details of their histories and that of Port Royal and Adams. Make plans for next year’s Lantern Tour of Port Royal State Historic Trail of Tears Park and learn a bit of the history of our community firsthand.

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On a moonlit Lantern tour of Historic Port Royal, you can find the answers to these questions and more, including a first hand account of the Cherokee traveling the Trail of Tears, what really happened during the Tobacco Wars, and the theories surrounding the end of the Silk Mill.

On Thursday, October 23, at  6 p.m., tours will step into Port Royal’s past, with groups leaving the Port Royal State Historic Park Interpretive Center every twenty minuets until 9 p.m. Each stop along the way will be 8-10 minutes long, for a total of an hour long tour. The tours are free and open to the public.

Afterwards, on your way out, be sure to stop by the bonfire for refreshments and more historic tales as told by local residents in the Port Royal community. This event is an ideal Autumn evening for the whole family. The tour is not frightening, nor meant to be scary; it  revisits some of Port Royal’s most famous notables, but may send a bit of a chill up your spine.

For more information and directions, contact Port Royal State Historic Park at 931-358-9696.

Clarksville was treated to two days of Native American cultural heritage displays at the Native Cultural Circle’s 11th Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow. The powwow is held on the second weekend of October at the Port Royal campground just up from the Port Royal State Park. Visitors were treated to vendors displaying authentic Native arts and crafts ranging from gemstones, flutes, and leathers, to herbs, clothing and fine art. Music for the Powwow was performed by The White Horse Singers from Alabama, Faron Weeks Drumkeeper and Powwow MC; and the Southern Echo of Crossville, TN, Burt Cox, Sr. Drumkeepe. Traditional dances performed included Ladies Fancy Shawl, Ladies Jingles Dance, Men’s Fancy, to name a few.

This year’s Powwow Head Lady was Loretta Howard. Head Man was Michael Veal, Alternate Head Man was Christopher Cosby. They lead the opening procession during the Traditional and Inter-Tribal dances into the Dance Circle. The dancers regalia- native dress costumes, reflect traditional clothing styles. Many dancers displayed regalia that reflected considerable time and attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The Powwow Princess was Shay Koonze and NCC Princess was Leah Briggs. The Ladies Jingles Dancers regalia is colorful, as well as musical.

The Ladies Fancy Shawl dancers showcased bright, colorful shawls with flowing fringe strands that swirled with the dancers’ movement and the wind. Shay said that the shawl dancers try to mimic butterflies on the wind, thus the light and quick movements of the dancers arms and feet.

David McDaris and Jesse R. Waril Cross performed in several Men’s Fancy Dance displaying their Turkey Bustle Regalia. The color red and turkey feathers are prominent in their costumes.

David McDaris

Shaun Hedgecoth, Cherokee, from Crossville, was a Grass Dancer, his regalia primary colors being blue and white. In addition, many of the men wore colorful regalia ribbon shirts, breastplates and leggings.

This year’s Powwow was also graced with a cadre of Fancy Grass Dancers. These dancers are renown for their highly festooned regalia, bright colors and dazzlingly displays of movement which are said to mimic the dancing grasses of the Western Plains.

Grass Dancer Dachari gave a dizzying performance in his splendidly complicated and colorful ribbon regalia. Moki Washington debuted his Hoop Dance Performance at this year’s Powwow to high applause.

Each day of the Powwow there was the Candy Dance, an event for the children to parade around the Circle and when the music ends, the hunt for candy commences. Grown-up assistance helps everyone get some treats and it’s fun for all.

There were also fun dances at the Powwow. The Potato Dance, where partnered pairs had to keep moving to the drum and balance a potato between their heads around the Circle. This was judged to end in a draw.

Next was the Ladies Choice, where the ladies selected their dance partner and led around the Circle, tugging them around by the ear, the guys had to keep up or risk losing an earlobe! And the Powwow saw the elimination selection of a new Ugly Man for 2009. Poor fellow must keep his broom girlfriend for a whole year to relinquish her at next year’s Powwow. Sorry, Jesse!

A special feature of this year’s Powwow was the inaugural performance of the Clarksville Hawaiian Dance Troupe. The group is new to Clarksville and when they learned of the Powwow, asked to be allowed to dance in the Circle. Their performance was a welcomed addition to the Powwow lineup. The dances relate to the heritage and culture of the Hawaiian people and struggles of daily life, affairs of the heart.

The following galleries offer a vista of the PowWow and the Trail of Tears march.

Photos by Turner McCullough Jr.

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Photos by Bill Larson

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The Native Cultural Circle’s 11th annual PowWow will showcase traditions, culture and customs in a truthful reflection of Tennessee native people. Songs, dance, drums, regalia, arts and crafts are all part of this Native Culture celebration.

The public is invited to attend the Native American Cultural Circle’s 11th annual Inter-Tribal Powwow on October 11-12. The powwow will be held at the campgrounds outside Port Royal State Park, Hwy 238 Port Royal Road. The gate opens Saturday at 9 a.m. and the powwow will continue until 6 p.m.  On Sunday, the PowWow runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., when the “The Retiring of the Colors” ends the event.

The Trail of Tears March Commemorative Re-Enactment will kick-off the powwow opening. Activities will then focus on the powwow grounds site starting with “The Posting of The Colors.”

The powwow host drum is the White Horse Singers of Alabama. Traditional songs and dance will be featured both days. All native drums are welcome. There will be Native arts and crafts as well as clothing vendors along with food and drinks vendors. The public is invited to come share in Native American culture, foods and shop the various arts and crafts. There will be also a silent auction and Native grown organic popcorn will be on sale.

Bring your lawn chairs, wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the dancing. Pet dogs will be allowed onto the grounds, but must be on a leash at all times. For everyone’s enjoyment of the grounds, we ask you to please police your animal’s droppings. Refuse stations are available on site.

Admission is Adults (16 to 59 years of age), $5; Children 15 and under, Free; Seniors (60 years of age and up), $2. Active-Duty military with Military ID-FREE.

Directions to the Powwow: Take I-24 West, at Exit 11, Turn Right onto Hwy 76E. From Nashville: Right on Old Clarksville Springfield Rd, Left on Hwy 238/Port Royal Road. From Clarksville: Left on Old Clarksville Springfield Road. Left on Hwy 238/Port Royal Road. Parking on the powwow grounds is free. There will be designated areas for the handicapped and motorcycles.

For more information, contact: Paul Slaughter- 931-358-4187 or email: ; “Red” Kirby, 931-368-1246 or email: .

The Trail of Tears Commemorative Day will lead off the Native Cultural Circle’s annual Inter-Tribal PowWow. The Port Royal site is the only remaining uncovered segment of the original trail in Tennessee.

October 11 and 12th. Mark your calendars. The second weekend of October is just around the corner. That means the Native Cultural Circle’s Inter-Tribal PowWow is here. Every year the group hosts the annual two-day powwow as a means of educating the general public about Tennessee’s native peoples traditions, culture and customs.

Clarksville is blessed, in that the powwow site has truly historic significance, because it is staged adjacent to last remaining uncovered segment of the Trail of Tears in Tennessee. The land is included in the Port Royal State Historic Park, where the quiet beauty of the area is well suited to the occasion.

This year’s PowWow will feature traditional songs and dance; host drum is the White Horse Singers, along with 18 vendors, a silent auction, and native grown organic popcorn. All drums and the general public are welcome.

Last year, a commemorative walk celebrated the National Parks Service designating the trail segment as an authentic Trail of Tears site. Over 100 native people turned out for the walk, many wearing native regalia. State and local government officials spoke at the observance acknowledging the solemnity of the occasion and its truthful place in American history. Park Ranger David Britton greeted Native American leaders and elders, exchanged flags and read a state proclamation. Representatives from the Tennessee Indian Commission and Montgomery County government also participated in the ceremony.

Port Royal Park Ranger David Britton

Park Ranger David Britton announced Wednesday that the National Parks Service has now designated Port Royal State Park as an official Trail of Tears Historic Park. For this year’s powwow celebration, on Saturday, October 11th, at 10 AM, there will be a re-enactment of the march through the town of Port Royal. There will also be re-enactments of 1830’s domestic skills and medicine. Visitors will be able to sample the foods the Native Americans were actually provided during their encampment. Additionally, guided historical tours throughout the park will be conducted and there will be exhibits on the Trail of Tears and the Town of Port Royal. When visitors have completed their tour of the park, they are encouraged to come over to the Inter-Tribal Powwow Grounds and continue their discovery of Tennessee’s Native peoples culture.

For more information on the Trail of Tears Commemorative Day, contact Port Royal State Park Office, 931-358-9696. The park office is located at 3300 Old Clarksville-Springfield Road.

Visitors witnessed an exchange of flags, Cherokee for American; then all payed respects to each flag through the playing of “Colors” to raise the State and National flags and the playing of “Taps” while the Cherokee flag stood erect. It was a welcoming, honoring ceremony that is way overdue the Cherokee in our nation.Speakers, including Port Royal Conservation Worker, David Britton, and Tennessee State Park Resource Manager Jack Gilpin addressed the gathering.

Barely an eye was dry in remembrance of the sufferings of the Cherokee and other Indian nations during the Trail of Tears. Already integrated into white society, they were forced from their homes into the march that took 4,000 lives between Florida and Oklahoma.David Britton researched Trail of Tears history of the site and with the help of Dan Webber, State Parks Exhibit Engineer, put panels on display in the Port Royal museum. David Britton and Friends of Port Royal volunteer Don Bledsoe brought the Port Royal interpretive museum to display quality.The building on the Port Royal State Historic site is original from1858 and was an important piece of a once thriving town.

Volunteers Mark and Sylvia Britton were on hand to demonstrate cooking,candle making and medicine techniques typical of the 1830’s. Mark Britton displayed doctor’s tools of the early to mid 19th century and had many stories to tell of medicine used in those days.

Nearly two hundred visitors came through the park that day while the Pow Wow celebrated Indian culture nearby. This was an important event for the Tennessee State Park in presenting and preserving the history of the area. Port Royal SHA is located at 3300 Old Clarksville-Springfield Rd., Adams, TN.

The museum and displays will be open for viewing On October 20 and 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact David Britton, Conservation Worker at Port Royal State Historic Park at (931) 358-9696. All photos by Donald Horton.

The Britton family at their campsite.

Cherokee arrive at Port Royal

The event will begin at 6:30 PM. Refreshments will be served. The Park is located at  3300 Old Clarksville Hwy, Adams, TN.  For more information, call  (931) 358-9696.