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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 06, 2025
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Wilderness Road State Park hosts America’s First Frontier

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Wilderness Road State Park)

Ewing, Va. – Wilderness Road State Park invites the public to join in a special event celebrating 250 years of American history with America’s First Frontier, a multi-day commemorative experience honoring the heritage of the Appalachian frontier and the legendary Wilderness Road.

Taking place May 9-11, America’s First Frontier pays tribute to the pioneering spirit that carved a path through the untamed wilderness and laid the foundation for westward expansion.

Located near the historic route once traveled by Daniel Boone and thousands of settlers, Wilderness Road State Park offers the perfect backdrop for this immersive journey into our nation’s early frontier story.

Highlights of the celebration include:

Historical reenactments: Take a look into history as costumed interpreters bring the 18th century to life.
Living history at Martin’s Station: Explore the reconstructed frontier fort and learn about daily life on the edge of the American wilderness in the 1770s.
Interactive exhibits and workshops: Activities for all ages, including blacksmithing, traditional crafts and period music.

Dates and admission:

Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10 per vehicle
Sunday, May 11: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5 per vehicle

America’s First Frontier is part of the 250th Boone Trace Commemoration, which honors Daniel Boone’s journey through the Appalachian frontier.

To mark the 250th anniversary of Boone and his axe men carving the path from Tennessee to Kentucky, teams of explorers are following in their historic footsteps. Starting from Kingsport, Tennessee, teams will hike roughly 10 miles daily, symbolically passing an axe along the way to Fort Boonesborough, Kentucky.

Wilderness Road State Park is a stop along the 250-mile route, and the ceremonial axe will pass through the park on the morning of May 9.

To learn more about America’s First Frontier, please go to www.virginiastateparks.gov/events. For more information about the 250th Boone Trace Commemoration, visit www.boonetrace250.com.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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