July 15th 2023, 12:00pm - Lunch and Learn: Stoneman's Raid Through Caldwell County
John Hawkins is no stranger to Fort Defiance due to his occasional volunteering and having spoken for two Lunch and Learn programs during 2022. He wrote the local history column for the News-Topic for 25 years, and he served as director of the Caldwell Heritage Museum for 14 years. He has spoken for various civic clubs and historic groups in Caldwell County and the surrounding area. He is a past winner of the North Carolina Society of Historians award.
On July 15, he will lead a discussion for “Stoneman’s Raid Through Caldwell County”. Bring lunch, a folding chair, and questions and comments.
This is a free event to the public with donations always appreciated.
June 10th 2023 - Lunch and Learn: Native Revolutionaries, the American Indians of the Southeast in the American Revolution
William Caldwell, Park Ranger, with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail of the National Park Service will be presenting a look at ways that a few of the more local American Indian nations were involved in the American Revolution and the impact their efforts had on the greater policy of the war and the local impact to the backcountry Patriots like William Lenoir.
This event is free to the public. Donations are always appreciated. Bring a chair and bring lunch and plan to spend the day. Picnic tables are available but limited.
May 8th 2021 - General William Lenoir's 270th Birthday Celebration!
Please join us in celebrating William Lenoir's 270th birthday Saturday May 8th 11am– 6pm. There will be music, food trucks, and a one day only showing of original textiles from the Lenoir family. Admission will be $10 per adult and $5 per child for children 6-15 children 5 and under are free and members are free (membership card will have to be shown for free admission). Admission includes a tour of the house, a one day showing of original textiles, and enjoying the music on the grounds for the day. Some picnic tables will be available for use on the grounds, but tables are limited. We strongly encourage you to bring your own blanket or seating if planning to stay for a long period of time. Covid Guidelines will be observed. Follow us on Facebook for event updates.
OVTA " Lunch and Learn"- Saturday June 19th
Want to enjoy some beautiful summer sunshine and soak up some history as well?
Ranger William from the OVNHT will be at Fort Defiance in Lenoir, NC from 11:30am to 2:00pm with information all about the Overmountain Victory Trail, the Kings Mountain Campaign, and the involvement of William Lenoir!
William Lenoir served with the Yadkin Valley Patriots under Benjamin Cleveland during the campaign, and after the war built his house near the site of the small fortification "Fort Defiance" that had stood during the war. Lenoir gave his new home the same jaunty title, and Lenoir's "Fort Defiance" still stands to this day as a house museum!
Bring a small lunch or snack and catch Ranger William's program at 12:30, and stick around to ask questions and chat about the campaign!
All site visitors must follow any COVID guidelines in place by Fort Defiance.