Elizabethton in Carter County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, July 17, 2011

1. Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Marker

Inscription. In this neighborhood, on Sept. 26, 1780, Rev. Samuel Doak conducted religious services for the frontiersmen from Virginia and North Carolina, including the Watauga and other settlements in what is now Tennessee, upon the start of their decisive victory of King’s Mountain on Oct. 7, 1780.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1A 16.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 26, 1780.

Location. 36° 20.645′ N, 82° 15.089′ W. Marker is in Elizabethton, Tennessee, in Carter County. It is on West Elk Avenue (U.S. 321) west of Franklin Club Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located along the entrance way to Sycamore Shoals State Park, approximately 350 feet from West Elk Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1651 West Elk Avenue, Elizabethton TN 37643, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee

and in the Tri-Cities Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

the State of Franklin,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Watauga Fort (here, next to this marker); The Tipton Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Watauga Purchase

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Transylvania Purchase (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to the Spirit of the Overmountain Men (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); David Crockett (about 400 feet away); John Crockett: Frontier Ranger (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabethton.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker shown.

Also see . . .
1. TN State Parks: Sycamore Shoals State Park: Historic Park. Sycamore Shoals played a significant role in 18th-Century history as the setting for some of the most dramatic events to occur in the expansion of America's western boundary. (Submitted on September 14, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

2. Samuel Doak | Entries | Tennessee Encyclopedia. (Submitted on September 14, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
3. Journal of the Presbyterian Historical Society, Volume 5 By Presbyterian Historical Society. Chaplain Samuel Doak, who served as a chaplain to the assembled riflemen of the Watauga and Holston River valleys.... (Submitted on September 15, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

Wide view of the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, July 17, 2011

2. Wide view of the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Marker

Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Marker at its new location. Visitors Center in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 14, 2025

3. Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Marker at its new location. Visitors Center in the background

Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Landmark plaque near the visitor center entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 14, 2025

4. Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Landmark plaque near the visitor center entrance

Wide view of the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Landmark plaque near the visitor center entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 14, 2025

5. Wide view of the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga Landmark plaque near the visitor center entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,328 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on March 15, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2011, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 15, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.