Last updated: August 1, 2024
Place
Muster Grounds in Abingdon, Virginia
NPS/WC
Quick Facts
Location:
1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210
Significance:
Gathering place of the Virginians who joined the Overmountain Men and made the journey to the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. This is the western trailhead and northernmost gathering area of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
Designation:
Partner Site of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
5 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Junior Ranger Activity, Restroom - Seasonal, Trailhead
Where?
1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210
What?
The Abingdon Muster Grounds features the W. Blair Keller Jr. Interpretive Center operated by non-profit volunteers and is open by appointment and on some weekends. The Center features displays and artifacts related to the American Revolution in southwest Virginia and the role the Abingdon Muster Grounds played in the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain.
As the location where hundreds of Virginia Patriots gathered in 1780 to begin their journey to the Battle of Kings Mountain, this site serves as the western (and northern-most) trailhead for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT).
This site is home to Wolf Creek, whose recent streambank restoration project has made it a destination for urban trout fishers.
Along Wolf Creek extends the 0.75-mile Wolf Creek Trail. This paved trail begins at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, or an additional gravel parking area at the corner of Hagy Street and Fugate Street SW where it meets the Abingdon Urban Pathway, and follows Wolf Creek down to a small parking area on Stone Mill Road. The grounds and trail are open dawn to dusk.
The W. Blair Keller Jr. Interpretive Center is the location of the "Abingdon, VA" National Park Passport stamp for the Overmountain Victory NHT, available from the information desk upon request.
Why?
September 24, 1780
William Campbell was the colonel in command of the Patriot fighting men in Washington County, Virginia during the American Revolution. Fellow Patriot leaders in North Carolina sent Campbell numerous requests for aid as they feared an attack led by British Major Patrick Ferguson and his growing army of Loyalists (pro-British locals).
William Campbell at first refused to offer aid against a distant enemy, citing the greater need to defend Patriot efforts in southwest Virginia against local Loyalists and possible warfare against British-allied American Indian nations such as the Shawnee and Cherokee. However, William Campbell eventually agreed to lead a portion of his county's militia and strike Major Ferguson's army before they could reach Virginia and give aid to the other pro-British forces in the region. Campbell gathered 200 of his militiamen and began the journey to a planned meeting at Sycamore Shoals, current Elizabethton, Tennessee. Soon 200 more Virginians under Colonel Arthur Campbell would also begin the journey and catch up with their fellow Virginians at Sycamore Shoals.
The field at the Abingdon Muster Grounds is a remnant of the original "muster ground," a popular gathering place, then known as Craig’s Meadow or Dunn's Meadow. Each county had at least one of these muster grounds where the county's legally-required regiment of militia would gather and practice military exercises every few months or sometimes more often if the practice was thought needed. These places were usually easy for men from across the county to find, offered a large open space for the men to practice marching and shooting, and were often located near the homes of some of their leaders who treated the men to food and drink. "Musterings" as these gatherings were called were a blend of military training and social event, with families accompanying the men and revelry closely following the end of each day's practicing.
Who?
The Abingdon Muster Grounds are owned by the Town of Abingdon, Virginia and operated through an agreement with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association.
When?
The Keller Interpretive Center is open by appointment, and the grounds of the Abingdon Muster Grounds are open dawn to dusk. Contact the center by their website or social media for more information.
1780 Muster Place, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210
What?
The Abingdon Muster Grounds features the W. Blair Keller Jr. Interpretive Center operated by non-profit volunteers and is open by appointment and on some weekends. The Center features displays and artifacts related to the American Revolution in southwest Virginia and the role the Abingdon Muster Grounds played in the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain.
As the location where hundreds of Virginia Patriots gathered in 1780 to begin their journey to the Battle of Kings Mountain, this site serves as the western (and northern-most) trailhead for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT).
This site is home to Wolf Creek, whose recent streambank restoration project has made it a destination for urban trout fishers.
Along Wolf Creek extends the 0.75-mile Wolf Creek Trail. This paved trail begins at the Abingdon Muster Grounds, or an additional gravel parking area at the corner of Hagy Street and Fugate Street SW where it meets the Abingdon Urban Pathway, and follows Wolf Creek down to a small parking area on Stone Mill Road. The grounds and trail are open dawn to dusk.
The W. Blair Keller Jr. Interpretive Center is the location of the "Abingdon, VA" National Park Passport stamp for the Overmountain Victory NHT, available from the information desk upon request.
Why?
September 24, 1780
William Campbell was the colonel in command of the Patriot fighting men in Washington County, Virginia during the American Revolution. Fellow Patriot leaders in North Carolina sent Campbell numerous requests for aid as they feared an attack led by British Major Patrick Ferguson and his growing army of Loyalists (pro-British locals).
William Campbell at first refused to offer aid against a distant enemy, citing the greater need to defend Patriot efforts in southwest Virginia against local Loyalists and possible warfare against British-allied American Indian nations such as the Shawnee and Cherokee. However, William Campbell eventually agreed to lead a portion of his county's militia and strike Major Ferguson's army before they could reach Virginia and give aid to the other pro-British forces in the region. Campbell gathered 200 of his militiamen and began the journey to a planned meeting at Sycamore Shoals, current Elizabethton, Tennessee. Soon 200 more Virginians under Colonel Arthur Campbell would also begin the journey and catch up with their fellow Virginians at Sycamore Shoals.
The field at the Abingdon Muster Grounds is a remnant of the original "muster ground," a popular gathering place, then known as Craig’s Meadow or Dunn's Meadow. Each county had at least one of these muster grounds where the county's legally-required regiment of militia would gather and practice military exercises every few months or sometimes more often if the practice was thought needed. These places were usually easy for men from across the county to find, offered a large open space for the men to practice marching and shooting, and were often located near the homes of some of their leaders who treated the men to food and drink. "Musterings" as these gatherings were called were a blend of military training and social event, with families accompanying the men and revelry closely following the end of each day's practicing.
Who?
The Abingdon Muster Grounds are owned by the Town of Abingdon, Virginia and operated through an agreement with the Overmountain Victory Trail Association.
When?
The Keller Interpretive Center is open by appointment, and the grounds of the Abingdon Muster Grounds are open dawn to dusk. Contact the center by their website or social media for more information.