Competition in 18th century shooting competition, May 15, 1999 Photo: Dieter C. Ullrich

Frontier Rifle Frolic and Trades Fair

The Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area sponsored this two-day event at the park's "Homeplace 1850," a living history farm.

The fair depicted American frontier life during the middle and late 18th century. Historic interpreters, dressed in period clothing, demonstrated the making of primitive bows; the equipment and techniques used in hunting, marksmanship of early flintlocks and long rifles, and fire making with flint and bullet casting. Period merchants and blanket traders were also portrayed, displaying and selling their wares and merchandise.

Seminars were given on 18th century trekking, survival skills, history and equipment of the middle ground hunter, and 18th century clothing. In addition, a black-powder shooting demonstration and competition were held.

The Homeplace includes sixteen reconstructed log buildings, furnished to re-create a mid-19th century farm. Livestock, crops and gardens are authentic to the period. Land between the Lakes comprises 170,000 acres of wildlife and outdoor recreating activities in Tennessee and western Kentucky.

Documentation includes a festival brochure, park brochures, and photographs.

Originally submitted by: John S. Tanner, Representative (8th District).

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