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Guardians of the Ridge

An essential guide to the frontiersmen who defied the Crown and shaped the destiny of the American frontier during the Revolutionary War.

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Overview

Who Were They?

The Overmountain Men were resilient American frontiersmen residing west of the formidable Blue Ridge Mountains. They played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, particularly during the conflict's southern campaign. Their participation was instrumental in securing key victories against British forces and their allies.

The "Overmountain" Distinction

The term "Overmountain" arose from their geographical location. Their settlements lay west of, or "over," the Blue Ridge Mountains, which served as a significant natural barrier separating the established thirteen American states from the vast Native American territories to the west. This unique position shaped their identity and their strategic importance.

Significance and Legacy

The efforts of the Overmountain Men were vital in validating and protecting the nascent settlements in the Watauga, Nolichucky, and Holston river valleys. Their actions helped secure the frontier, paving the way for increased westward migration in the decades following the war. Many prominent leaders emerged from this group, significantly contributing to the formation of new states.

Settlements

Early Settlers & Cherokee Lands

In the late 1760s and early 1770s, Euro-American settlers began establishing communities west of the established boundaries, leading to friction with the Overhill Cherokee tribes who controlled these lands. The Treaty of Lochaber (1770) attempted to redefine boundaries, but settlers south of the Holston River were ordered to vacate, a directive they largely ignored.

The Watauga Association

Rather than comply with the Crown's orders, settlers, primarily concentrated in the Watauga settlement at Sycamore Shoals, chose to lease their lands from the Cherokee. In 1772, they formed the Watauga Association, establishing the first independent American constitutional government west of the Appalachian Mountains. This entity later purchased its lands outright and became the Washington District, eventually annexed by North Carolina.

Resistance and Conflict

The expansion of settlements was viewed with concern by some Cherokee factions. Dragging Canoe, a Cherokee chief opposed to land sales, led the Chickamauga faction in advocating for the violent removal of settlers. This led to Cherokee attacks on the Overmountain settlements in the summer of 1776, which were ultimately repelled at Fort Watauga and Eaton's Station, solidifying the settlers' position.

Conflicts

Early Engagements

From the outset of the Revolution, the Overmountain settlers, largely Patriots, engaged in numerous operations against British Loyalists and their Native American allies. They participated in the defense of settlements like Boonesborough and Harrodsburg in Kentucky and conducted raids into the Piedmont region of South Carolina, achieving a notable victory at the Battle of Musgrove Mill.

Ferguson's Threat

Following the British victory at Camden in August 1780, Major Patrick Ferguson was dispatched into the Appalachian foothills to quell Patriot resistance and secure Loyalist support. Ferguson issued a direct ultimatum to the Overmountain settlements, threatening devastation if they did not surrender. This challenge galvanized leaders like Isaac Shelby and John Sevier.

Preparations for Battle

In response to Ferguson's threat, hundreds of Overmountain Men gathered at Sycamore Shoals. Local merchants provided funds, women prepared provisions, and lead was mined for ammunition. This determined force, comprising contingents from Virginia, North Carolina, and the Washington District, prepared to march over the mountains to confront Ferguson's army.

March

The Journey Begins

On September 26, 1780, the Overmountain Men commenced their arduous march from Sycamore Shoals. Their route traversed the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains, passing through key locations such as Abingdon, Virginia, and camping at sites like Shelving Rock near Roan Mountain. The expedition was characterized by difficult conditions and the constant threat of enemy forces.

The march involved several hundred men, including contingents led by William Campbell (Virginia), Isaac Shelby (Sullivan County), and John Sevier (Washington County). They followed established paths through mountain gaps like Yellow Mountain Gap, descended into valleys along rivers like the North Toe, and regrouped with other Patriot forces near Morganton, North Carolina. The journey was marked by strategic movements to outmaneuver Ferguson.

Strategic Pursuit

After reaching Ferguson's reported location at Gilbert Town, the Overmountain Men learned he had moved eastward. The Patriot forces adjusted their course, pursuing Ferguson southeastward into South Carolina. Near Cowpens, they were reinforced by additional Patriot militia units, swelling their numbers and bolstering their resolve for the impending confrontation.

Battle

The Terrain of Kings Mountain

Major Patrick Ferguson chose to make his stand atop Kings Mountain, a strategic 60-foot elevation near the North Carolina-South Carolina border. His Loyalist force of approximately 1,000 men entrenched themselves, believing the terrain offered a defensive advantage against the approaching Patriot militia.

The Engagement

On October 7, 1780, the Overmountain Men and their allies surrounded the Loyalist position, forming a U-shape. Employing effective frontier sharpshooting tactics, they advanced up the wooded slopes, engaging Ferguson's troops. Despite fierce resistance and initial setbacks, the Patriots eventually overwhelmed the Loyalists. Major Ferguson was killed during the intense fighting.

Victory and Ramifications

The Battle of Kings Mountain resulted in a decisive Patriot victory, with heavy Loyalist casualties and the capture of nearly 700 men. This crucial triumph significantly disrupted British plans in the Southern Campaign, forcing General Cornwallis to abandon his invasion of North Carolina and retreat. The news of the victory was dispatched to the Continental Congress, boosting Patriot morale.

Legacy

Securing the Frontier

Following the victory at Kings Mountain, many Overmountain Men returned to their homes to secure the frontier against further Cherokee incursions. Leaders like John Sevier and Isaac Shelby would later play pivotal roles in the establishment and governance of the state of Tennessee, leveraging the security and legitimacy gained during the Revolution.

Influential Figures

The ranks of the Overmountain Men included numerous individuals who left a lasting mark on American history. Notable figures include John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee; Isaac Shelby, the first governor of Kentucky; William Lenoir; Joseph Dickson; Daniel Smith; and John Rhea. Even Davy Crockett's father, John Crockett, was among those present at Kings Mountain.

Historic Recognition

The enduring significance of the Overmountain Men's journey and their pivotal role in the Revolution is recognized through the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Established by Congress in 1980, this trail commemorates their marching route from Sycamore Shoals to Kings Mountain, preserving their story for future generations through historical sites and annual reenactments.

Trail

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

This designated trail preserves and interprets the 330-mile route taken by the Overmountain Men during their pivotal 1780 campaign. It connects significant historical locations, including their mustering grounds at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and the site of their decisive victory at Kings Mountain National Military Park, spanning parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Key Sites and Landmarks

Along the trail, visitors can explore sites like the Abingdon Muster Grounds in Virginia, where troops gathered; Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, the primary mustering point; and the hallowed grounds of Kings Mountain. These locations offer tangible connections to the events and the individuals who shaped American independence on the frontier.

Commemoration and Education

The Overmountain Victory Trail Association and various historical societies actively work to preserve the trail and educate the public. Annual reenactments, educational programs, and interpretive events bring the history of the Overmountain Men to life, allowing participants and visitors to understand the challenges and triumphs of these crucial figures in American history.

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References

References

  1.  Borden Mace, "Overmountain Men." Encyclopedia of Appalachia (Knoxville, Tenn.: University of Tennessee Press, 2006), p. 1607.
  2.  Susan Goodsell, Mary McKeehan Patton. Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, 2002. Retrieved: 18 June 2009.
  3.  C. Hammett, The Battle of Kings Mountain. TNgenweb.org, 2000. Retrieved: 15 June 2009.
  4.  National Park Service, Battle of Kings Mountain – map. Retrieved: 15 June 2009.
  5.  The Battle of King's Mountain. The American Revolution.org, 2001-2007. Retrieved: 15 June 2009.
  6.  Joseph Greer. Tennessee Society of the Sons of the American Revolution — General Joseph Martin Chapter, 2004-2006. Retrieved: 15 June 2009.
  7.  Augustine Webb. Tennessee Society of the Sons of the American Revolution — General Joseph Martin Chapter, 2004-2006. Retrieved: 15 June 2009.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Overmountain Men Wikipedia page

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