235th Anniversary of Kings Mountain

7 Oct 2015                                         Blacksburg, SC

     235 years ago, Patriot Militia, including the "Overmountain Men", surprised and decisively defeated Torry Militia led by British Major Patrick Ferguson.  Thomas Jefferson called this victory "The turn of the tide of success", because it reversed a string of British victories that had demoralized the patriots.  Over one quarter of the Loyalist force was killed, including their commander, Major Ferguson, the remainder were wounded or captured.   Patriot casualties were comparatively light.
     The annual ceremony was conducted at the monument in Kings Mountain National Military Park.  The Virginia Society was represented by Chancellor Eric Monday, past Virginia SAR President Larry McKinley, Peter Davenport, Andy Johnson, Kirk Sheap, and Bill Schwetke.  Dual members past PG Lindsey Brock, and Bill Turner also participated in the ceremony.

Virginia SAR Chancellor Eric Monday with the Virginia Society Wreath which he presented.

Virginia SAR members of the Color Guard, left to right, Peter Davenport, Larry McKinley, Andrew Johnson, Bill Schwetke.

The entrance of the SAR Color Guard begins the ceremony.

Musket Salute by the Overmountain Men.