***Allison, this article goes onto a second page. Thanks!
The spirit of America’s founding is alive and well in Blairsville, as demonstrated on Saturday, April 19, in a tradition dutifully upheld each year by local patriots.
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For at least a decade now, the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter Sons of the American Revolution and Old Unicoi Trail Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution have met on the historic town square for a public celebration of Patriots’ Day.
Dressed in their colonial best to drum up that eponymous patriotism with education, they set about their commemorative task in particularly dramatic fashion – with an explosive display of the power of flintlock firearms.
Gathering around 10 a.m. on the Old Courthouse Lawn, the men dressed in the differing uniforms that marked America’s earliest defenders while the women took shelter from the sun beneath ruffled bonnets and other true-to-period attire.
Much of the Sons and Daughters’ interactions with the public came in the form of waving at passing cars, who often slowed so drivers could wave back. A few, inspired and appreciative, even honked.
But some folks needed to have a closer look or a chat, and many walked over to do just that. History buffs and those simply wanting to learn more asked for photos and information, regarding either the purpose of the reenactors or their ancestors.
Public outreach is a major initiative of the volunteer SAR and DAR, with an eye toward education and fostering an interest in America’s history – especially its hard-won independence – and the occasion serves as a good way for group members to channel their patriotic pride.
Larger celebrations are hosted by the national organizations in places like Boston, and though two members the Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter went up North for just such a gathering, the others had plenty of fun back at home.
“I’ve always been an American history fan,” admitted Doug Jamison, eager to demonstrate his knowledge with factoids at the ready. “It’s probably my third, fourth time (on the square).”
Sid Turner, another long-time member, explained that Patriots’ Day has a double meaning in Georgia.
The first shots of the American Revolution were fired on April 19, 1775, in Lexington, Massachusetts, but on April 19, 1778, the Georgia State Navy intercepted British ships as part of the Frederica Naval Battle.
As it so happens, John Mayes, the descendant of John Cutler Braddock – a captain of one of the Georgia ships that routed the British raiding party – was present on Saturday. Mayes dressed in a red naval uniform, ready and willing to share information on Braddock’s role in winning America’s independence.
Braddock’s row galley was formidable at the time, being armed and capable of propulsion, unlike the slower-moving sailboat that was at the mercy of the weather. His craft and the three others that fought alongside him at Frederica were a boon to the revolution’s efforts, but the men made a difference outside just their skills.
Although they were unable to capture any of the enemy, they did “disable” two British ships and delayed the capture of Fort Marris by eight months. It is said that “not one” of the American troops was injured in the process.
Perhaps the greatest aspect of the local Patriots’ Day events are their weapon demonstrations. Every hour, the men load and ready their flintlock rifles for fire, aiming and shooting up and over the circling traffic around the courthouse.
At noon, just as quickly as they appeared, the ghosts of the American Revolution were gone, having performed their duty to spark an interest in America’s history, pride in what the country’s earliest soldiers fought for, and a bit of cheer.
Their next stop? To grab a bite to eat at a local coffee shop, blending seamlessly back into the modern era. They’ll be back again next year.
