Martin's Station (Cumberland Gap)

Joseph Martin first settled in the Southwest Virginia frontier in 1769 and built the original "Station", or Fort, in present day Rose Hill. See the History of Martin's Station. Martin's Station played a key role in the settlement of the Powell Valley and Clinch River territory, helping provide shelter for other settlers moving up the Wilderness Road now stretching from Pennsylvania to SW Virginia. SW Virginia Settlement. Martins' Station, Wilderness Road State Park (Virginia), has public Events throughout the year, with the primary Living History weekends being the Raid on Martin's Station, 2nd weekend in May, and the Wilderness Road Heritage Festivel, 2nd weekend in October.

Martins Station

Explore Park - my first Colonial Events

My thanks to Eddie for allowing me to volunteer for the 7 years I was able to participate in the various Explore Park activities and events.
Those days will never be forgotten, and unfortunately, will never be repeated. Its a very sad day when the local community, and State, can not help the many volunteers keep the treasure that was Explore Park alive for future generations to enjoy. Eddie guided the volunteers through a reconstruction of the Colonial Station, Fort Vause, the original of which was located in present day Shawsville, just a few miles southwest of the Explore Park location.

My Hobbies...

I have other websites and blogs devoted to my hobbies and I'll refer to them along the way. My woodworking hobby, combined with Colonial Living History connections, has turned into a part-time business. I make wooden Appalachian Flutes. I have sold over 100 of my flutes, using eBay and Colonial Fairs to provide the best exposure. The joy comes from making the beautiful sound the flutes produce. The satisfaction comes from the happy customers. And yes, these are wonderful gifts as well. My eBay ID is Appflutes, and website is Appalachian Flutes & Dulcimers. I also enjoy making the supplies, clothing, and accoutrements needed to sustain my Colonial Militia persona. Take a look at some of my handmade Woodcrafts. While I am proud of the quality and looks, I credit my wonderful wife for getting me started and teaching me patience.

Colonial Living History

Civil War living history "reenacting" has no shortage of events, websites, photographs, and connections. But, stepping back in time to the 1700's for "Colonial" events narrows the field to the point that I felt it necessary to start my own blog for the purpose of gathering the information I need to make my remaining living history years more complete. I definitely have a strong Civil War connection, growing up in eastern/central Virginia. That I will never lose. But, my desire to learn more about our founding fathers, their families, lifestyles, and hardships have moved me to the Colonial Militia, Seven-years War (French & Indian), and Revolutionary War. One of the driving factors has to be my love for the creative arts. Not painting, but wood, leather, buckskin, horns, firearms, and anything else made by hand without the use of modern tools or equipment. That's right, I try to learn history by making and using the basic essentials found during our country's early development. It will take a while for this blog to gather information, and establish contacts, but in the mean time, I'll share my travels and photos to help make this blog more enjoyable to those of you who share my interests.