Lots of Christmas spirit will be celebrated at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

ELIZABETHTON — The spirit of the Christmases of the 18th and 19th century can still be seen, felt and heard at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, especially with the several guided tours and special programs being offered during December. That includes guided tours of two of the city's most historic homes that lie outside of the state park's boundaries. The Carter Mansion, 1031 Broad Street, which will be decorated in the holiday finery available on the 18th century frontier; and Sabine Hill, 2328 W. G St., decked out in the finest style available during the time of the early republic after the War of 1812. The Carter Mansion was built be one of the most prominent early leaders of the Watauga settlement, John Carter. It was built between 1775 and 1780. The guided tour includes a discussion about the historic role played by the Carter Family. John was a leader in the Watauga Association, one of the earliest attempts at self government before the Revolutionary War. His son, Landon was also a leader and Carter County is named for him. Landon's wife, Elizabeth, is honored with having the county seat, Elizabethton, named for her. The two-story Carter Mansion was built at a time when most settlers were living in one-room log cabins. To the people living on nation's first frontier, the Carters' home was truly a mansion. In keeping with the spirit of the historical preservation and the sprit of 19th century Christmas decorations on the frontier, the Carter Mansion decorated for the season is a Christmas experience that will be offered in guided tours at 1:30 p.m. on December 2, 11, 16 and 20. The tour includes an interior staircase. The tour is about 45 minutes long. Sabine Hill was just as impressive to the generation of the early 19th century as the Carter Mansion had been to their grandchildren. The home was built by Mary Patton Taylor, the widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor in the days just after the end of the War of 1812. The home is said to be one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in Tennessee. The home has been recently restored to its original splendor and has been decorated for the Christmas season in the style of the 1820's. There is an interior staircase. The tour last 45 minutes. The guided tours of Sabine Hill will be at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 4, 9, 14, and 18. Preregistration is required for the guided tours of both of the homes. The price for the tours is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, veterans, and active military, and $5 for those 17 and under. Registration and payment may be done online at www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals. The other programs and tours include the following: Saturday, Dec. 6 at noon. "Furs and pelts of the Long Hunter" will take place in the Visitor Center lobby and is free. Ever wonder why currency is often referred to as "bucks"? How did Buffalo Mountain get its name? Park Ranger Jason Davis will discuss the various furs and pelts sought after by the long hunters on the frontier during the 18t century. Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. "Winter in Two Worlds" will take place in the Visitor Center Gathering Place. The program is free but donations are accepted. Preregistration is required and may be done online. Many of our modern wintertime traditions involve holidays and family gatherings. How do our 21st-century practices differ from the frontier families who first arrived here in the 1760s? What about the Cherokee's traditions during the winter months? This program presented by Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield will explain how these two cultures spent their time during the coldest time of year, from the practical to the ceremonial. Program is 30 minutes long. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14 at 6 p.m. "Candlelight Tour of the Carter Mansion" presented by Park Ranger Jason Davis. Preregistration is required and the price is $12 per person. Registration and payment may be done online. The elegant interior of Tennessee's oldest frame house will be illuminated by candlelight and adorned with traditional 18th century holiday greenery. This festive setting will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the influence of the Carter family in our state's early history. Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. "Candle Dipping, an 18th Century Craft". Participants must be 7 years old and above. The price is $10. Preregistration is required. Registration and payment may be done online. Candles were an essential source of light during the evenings of the 18th century. This program examines the history of candles, the common materials used to make them, and ends with participants dipping their own candles to take home. For safety reasons, the program is limited to seven years old and above. Children must be assisted by an adult. Parents assisting their children but not making their own candles do not need to pay admission price. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. in the Talbot House, the second cabin on the left when entering Fort Watauga from the sidewalk. "Making charcloth for flint and steel fires. The price is $10 and preregistration required. May be done online. Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield will demonstrate how to make charcloth, a vital piece of equipment in a flint and steel fire kit. Charcloth is quick and easy to make and was very common along the 18th century frontier. Each participant of the class may take a piece of charcloth home. Saturday, Dec.20, 10 a.m. "Winter Stories by the Fire" at the Talbot House, second cabin on the left at Fort Watauga. The price is $10 for adults and $8 for ages 7-17, preregistration is required. Payment and registration may be done online. Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield will tell seasonal stories in a cozy log cabin. Some of the stories are of 18th century Christmases, including General Washington's crossing of the Delaware on Christmas Day 1776. Another will include Landon Carter and Revolutionary War battles fought during the Christmas season of 1780. There will be also be a bit more farfetched tales, like when Davy Crockett saved the world by throwing out the sun one cold winter morning.