The centuries-old animosities between England and France played out in the New World in the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Fort Dobbs State Historic Site will recapture the struggles of that time during the "War for Empire" program April 16-17, in the largest French and Indian War re-enactment in the Carolinas that also will honor a Cherokee leader.
Tensions spiraled into war with shifting allegiances among the British, French and dozens of American Indian tribes, principally the Cherokee in western North Carolina. "War for Empire" will examine the different people living on the North Carolina frontier in the 1750s and offer a glimpse of frontier life.
Trade demonstrations will include stone carving, spinning, cooking and woodworking; skills necessary for day-to-day survival. Music will be provided by 18th century musician and historian Robert Mouland. Battle re-enactments at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday will be a program highlight. Vendors will offer reproduction period merchandise. Admission is $3; children under age 5 are free.
A special feature each day will be a performance of "Attakullakulla: Cherokee Peace Chief" by Robert Rambo. Attakullakulla was a prominent Cherokee headman who had traveled to England and met King George. He was a firm ally of the British, who sought to restore peace when war broke out between the Cherokee and the British, and a key player in ending the war for the Cherokees.
The educational program at this state historic site gives life to North Carolina's past experiences and traditions and demonstrates the value of living history to students and adults.
The program will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3.
For additional information, please call (704) 873-5882 or visit www.fortdobbs.org. Fort Dobbs is located at 438 Fort Dobbs Rd., Statesville, and is within the Division of State Historic Sites of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.