About the Event
ast Tennessee boasts a history all its own. The hardiest of the Ulster immigrants from Ireland, known to history in America as the Scots-Irish, traversed the great wagon road in the mid-18th Century out of Virginia, through North Carolina lands and into the wilderness world of the native tribes. From the Cherokee they purchased, leased, and squatted on the forested mountains and valleys, creating the Watauga settlement and others. Along the Holston, Nolichucky, Tennessee and Watauga Rivers settled families surnamed Bean, Robertson, Honeycutt, Houston, Glenn, Elliot, Stuart, Doak, Sevier, and other hearty pioneers. Those “over the mountain men” built homes and forts, planted crops, and fought for their lives in the French and Indian War, Lord Dunmore’s War, and the War that created the American Republic. They established representative government, churches, and schools, transplanting folkways of their past. Join us as we visit a few of the key historic sites and see what God wrought in the past in the beautiful but sweat-equity and blood-bought pioneer days of Eastern Tennessee.
Tour Highlights
Fort Loudoun State Historic Site
When Britain and France went to war in 1756, their colonies had to fight as well, and both nations were deeply embedded on the American frontier. They recruited allies among the native tribes, forcing the back-country people to defend their own families to the death. Fort Loudon was one of the earliest defensive posts in the Tennessee wilderness, established by an independent company of soldiers from South Carolina. It lasted four years and was captured in battle with the Cherokee.
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
Sequoyah was a brilliant Cherokee linguist who created a syllabary for his people, thus giving them a written language, one of the only times in recorded history where a pre-literate tribe developed an original writing system, leading to almost 100% literacy. He fought against the Red Stick Creeks in 1814 and completed his syllabary in 1821. His life story is amazing and unique. At least 15 schools, several parks and many other sites and even trees are named after him.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
The history of Appalachia is the history and stories of ancient people, pioneering Scots-Irish, the clash of cultures, diverse folk-ways, wilderness architecture, speech accents, self-reliance, poverty, resourcefulness, and courage. The Heritage Center brings it all together in one place with a reconstructed village and living history in the heart of the Smokys. From moon-shiners to powerful preachers, from sawmills to stirring music, this is a visit that will create a desire to return with family or friends who missed out.
Marble Springs State Historic Site
When it comes to American heroes of Tennessee, there were non greater in the early history of the state than John Sevier. His accomplishments are incredible for one man, his influence had no rival until his political foe, Andrew Jackson, rose to prominence, but his legacy is almost unknown outside the state. Pioneer, soldier, statesman, this descendant of French Huguenots via the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Sevier’s restless energy and courage have inspired untold numbers of young men through the years. When he defended his family from his cabin or governor’s home in Knoxville, he knew the stakes, two magnificent wives and eighteen children and the state he was instrumental in creating. His last home called Marble Springs is a tribute to the life and times of John Sevier.
Sevierville Area
Tickets
Included in this Tour:
- Distinctly Christian interpretation
- All venue admissions
- All guide fees and gratuities
- Individual wireless headsets so you won’t miss a word!
- Sweet Christian Fellowship
- Access to Landmark Events’ special discounted hotel rates
- Study Preparation section
Ticket Pricing
Adult (17+):
Youth (5-16):
Child (0-4):FREE
Add’l Family Member* (unlimited):* First four family members at posted price, fifth and subsequent guests enjoy the lower Additional Family Member price.
Definitely worth more than a month’s worth of book lessons! And to be remembered for so much longer! Best of all, the tour was Christ-centered in every aspect. Thank you Landmark for precious home school memories for our family!” —Rena B.
Event Speakers
Bill Potter
An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Dr. Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. He has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Dr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Dr. Potter has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.
Schedule
Note: Schedule days and venues subject to change.
Wednesday, May 6
| 8:00am | Depart Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge 140 Jake Thomas Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN |
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 50.4 miles ≈ 1 hr 19 mins. |
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| 9:00am | Fort Loudoun 338 Fort Loudoun Rd, Vonore, TN 37885 |
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| 1.6 miles ≈ 4 mins. |
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| 11:05am | Sequoyah Museum 576 TN-360, Vonore, TN 37885 |
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| 12:30pm | Lunch (Townsend) | |
| 38.7 miles ≈ 51 mins. |
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| 1:30pm | Heritage Center 123 Cromwell Dr, Townsend, TN 37882 |
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| 25.2 miles ≈ 41 mins. |
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| 3:45pm | Marble Springs 1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 |
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| 23.7 miles ≈ 41 mins. |
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| 5:15pm | Return to Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge 140 Jake Thomas Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN |
Accommodations
Drury Plaza Hotel Pigeon Forge
We will be staying at the new Drury Hotel next to the LaConte Center since we will be at the Teach Them Diligently homeschool convention Thursday-Saturday. TTD has negotiated rates with several hotels that you can see here.
You are under no obligation to stay at the Drury Hotel and may want to enjoy one of the many lodging options in the area. We recommend Trip Advisor and VRBO as helpful resources for finding a place to stay.
Teach Them Diligently
Homeschool Conference after the Tour!
May 7-9 – Pigeon Forge, TN
Great Speakers / Great Resources / Great Fellowship
Register for the TTD Conference here
3 Brand New Messages by Dr. Bill Potter:
- Thursday May 7 (4:20pm – 5:10pm)
The Four Georges of Virginia Who Brought About Independence: Washington, Wythe, Mason and Hanover - Friday May 8 (10:30am – 11:20am)
How Diseases Have Shaped World History, Empowered Governments or Brought Them Down - Saturday, May 9 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Lives, Fortune and Sacred Honor: Four Heroic Signers of the Declaration of Independence—Braxton, Carroll, Rodney, and Witherspoon
Stop by our booth in the exhibit hall. We would love to say hello and give you a free $50 gift certificate! (Separate registration required for TTD)
Upcoming Events
Pirates, Presidents, Conquistadors and More 2026
February 12-14, 2026
John Tyler Tour
June 4-6, 2026
