At Wilderness Road State Park, a group of reenactors have worked on building a structure inside the fort using methods from the late 18th century. The work was done using period tools, period clothing and historical techniques to better reflect how construction would have taken place. 

When I stepped into Martin’s Station, I was not expecting to truly be transported back to the 18th Century. Upon arrival, I found volunteers and staff dressed and already working on the new addition to the fort. The others were in the common house, warmed up by the fire, preparing for the day. 

With it being my first time experiencing Martin Station, I did not fully expect that the fort itself was serving as sleeping quarters for the volunteers. The dedication to period accuracy was truly such a sight to see. They fully embodied the 18th century style of life while being at the park. 

This group had already put in some hard work the day before. The process began with preparing the logs. Each log was measured, cut, and shaped before being placed. Workers marked where each log would fit, then used tools, mostly axes, to shape them. A tool called a log dog was used to hold logs steady during the process. To move the logs into position, a simple ramp was built so they could be rolled into place.

Materials were also handled in historically accurate ways. While metal nails were used when needed, they were considered valuable and were made by a blacksmith. In many cases, wooden pegs would have been used instead. Demonstrations of blacksmithing showed how nails and spikes were produced when necessary. There was also a need for the blacksmith to make a pin to help keep the wooden yoke on the oxen. 

Other parts of daily life in the fort were also visible. On the wall of a tool shed or animal stable, a bucket of wool was stored. Inside the common house, everyday tasks like laundry and cooking took place. Food varied depending on the time period, but included items like salt pork, pickled foods, oysters, and spices such as cloves. A domed oven was used for baking bread, and a nearby spring provided water.

A simple meal of ham, bread, and hard-boiled eggs reflected the kind of food people might have eaten. Women were also seen carrying belt knives, which served as practical, everyday tools.

While currently we have no documentation showing that women were actually a part of the Fort at Martin Station, they truly give an in-depth glimpse to the lifestyles of the 18th century. 

Wilderness Road State Park is a park truly built on the passion of preservation and volunteerism. Some of the volunteers I had the honor of meeting have been working on the fort since its inception. So many hold the stories and passion that were passed down through their family for generations. 

This was not a special event per say, but a gathering to further the life of the fort, to further the livelihood of Appalachian history. While the fort itself helps keep history alive, these volunteers, Friends and staff help bring it to life.