Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Bledsoe's Fort Colonial Fair May 2nd

I dropped in to the 1700's near Castilian Springs, Tennessee. An annual event sponsored by the historic Association, reenactors from across the country spends three days living a frontier life.
A juried event, all costumes, accommodation, cooking utensils, tools and firearms must be as authentic as possible.

(Listen to my interview with two wonderful reenactors Andy and Barb Hawkins from Missouri)



"The Cumberland territory was a favorite hunting ground for the "long hunters." from the early 1760s until the 1780s. usually from Virginia and North Carolina, these men stayed in the region for several weeks or months before returning home with their bounties. Later, some return to Sumner County as settlers.

In 1772, Isaac Bledsoe, a Virginian, discovered a salt lick and sulfur water springs, now known as Bledsoe's lick, while on a hunting expedition. In 1780, he returned with a company of settlers and build a station near the spring. In 1784, Isaac's brother, Anthony, and his family came to live at Isaacs . Isaac was killed by Indians 100 yards west of his fortune in 1793. Few did more to ensure the successful settling and holding of middle Tennessee than these two brothers."
(courtesy the historic Association)

In nearby Gallatin, Tennessee, Sumner County Museum is well worth a visit.

For the inside track on what's happening in the region visit the "Stars and Stripes Restaurant" most weekday mornings starting at 7:00 a.m..
I may see you there among my eclectic southern friends.

Now to plan my next accidental trip. Doug