Excavating Fort Defiance
Sat, Oct 03
|Lenoir
The stockade fort that once stood on site is being excavated. Visitors are welcome to watch and learn about the process, or join in and be a part of the discovery!
Time & Location
Oct 03, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lenoir, 1792 Fort Defiance Dr, Lenoir, NC 28645, USA
About the event
The stockade fort that once stood on site, the original Fort Defiance, is being excavated, and everyone is welcome to attend!
Dr. Ellen Cowan of Appalachian State University's geology department first discovered the fort site in 2023. This year, Dr. Cowan and her team are excavating the site to learn more about the activity that happened in the area.
Visitors are welcome to visit and learn about the process of excavation. This will also be an interactive event where people can get involved in the action! Participants can screen dirt in search of artifacts, which Fort Defiance will inventory and care for.
This event will be free to attend, and visitors may come and go as they please. The only admission charge is for an optional tour of William Lenoir's historic home, with standard rates of $7 for ages 14+ and $5 for ages 12 and under. Kids 5 and…