Come along for a fascinating view of local history rooted in Reformation Scotland, involving an “unsinkable” ship that sank, hordes of Scots-Irish immigrants fighting for American Independence, and the “Lost State” of Franklin. We will cap it off in style with a day of Highland Games in the park!

Landmark Events Historian Bill Potter will lead our group as we visit the fantastic Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge and travel east an hour to the site of Tusculum College co-founded by preacher, scholar and rugged mountaineer, Samuel Doak and financed by inventor Cyrus McCormick.   

You will hear inspiring stories of bold and brave men like John Sevier, who led the Overmountain men to victory in the Battle of King’s Mountain, and Archibald Butts, one of the world’s wealthiest men that sacrificially went down with the ship in order that women and children may live.


John Sevier (1745-1815)
Veteran who fought in the Battle of King’s Mountain, founding father and first Governor of Tennessee


Daniel Boone (1734-1820)
Frontiersman, pioneer and statesman, serving three terms in the Virginia General Assembly

This two-day tour has loads of fun and flexibility built in so it’s ideal for large families. You take your own car and meet us at the sites where we will provide the historical interpretation from a distinctly Christian perspective and set you free to explore your own interests. Think of it as a historical buffet—come to everything, or just the parts you want, it’s up to you!

We designed this tour to be simple, affordable and enjoyable for the entire family. Whether you come for a day or the whole campaign, we look forward to walking through history with you!


Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge


Inside view of the Titanic Museum


Tusculum University


The Battle of King’s Mountain, October 7, 1780

When The Scots-Irish Presbyterians settled in community they often built a church and a school. Their Protestant Reformation and Scottish heritage transplanted well in the American colonies, especially in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and on the frontier. The “Log College” became Princeton College and from that august Presbyterian institution came graduates entering the mission field of the frontier of the Appalachians. Preacher, scholar, rugged mountaineer, Samuel Doak travelled to southwestern Virginia and on to East Tennessee, ministering to groups of “over the mountain men” who still desired expository preaching their forebearers valued so highly. One of his most famous sermons inspired those men to march down to the borders of the Carolinas to fight the Loyalist British forces atop King’s Mountain in the War for Independence. As a co-founder of Tusculum College, now University, in Greenville, Tennessee, the Reverend Doak is remembered in the Doak House Museum on campus.

The University also houses the Presidential library of President Andrew Johnson, who served under the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln as Vice-President and replaced him upon assassination. Johnson served as Governor of Tennessee although he had received no formal schooling and was illiterate in his early years.

Nearby is the headquarters of Major General James Longstreet, whom Robert E. Lee had sent to defeat the Union forces around Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following the Chickamauga Campaign, Lee’s Lieutenant was sent to capture Knoxville, where he had a rough winter and rough handling. To wait out the winter he established his headquarters at Russellville, Tennessee in a lovely frame house, now a museum in his honor.

These historic sites are well-kept secrets to most travelers along the nearby interstate, but Tennessee is proud of them and has assured their preservation for years to come. Join us reliving the mountain past in sermon and battle.


The Doak House


Andrew Johnson Library


Highland Games, Stone Put!


Highland Games, Tug o’ War!


(Thursday, May 4)

A great day in the park to exercise bodies and minds—Scottish Style!  We have fun and games for all ages!

  • Tug o’ War / Running Races / Arm wrestling (boys only) / Stone put / Caber toss / Music
  • Scots Irish Knowledge Bowl
  • Scottish Translation Contest
  • More things Scottish!

Dating back to 1611, clans of Scotland have gathered to test their minds and bodies against one another as preparation to drive the bloody English off their bonny land.  There is something for everyone as we engage in various sports for medals and the glory of Scotland! 

Sevierville Area

Adult Ticket
(Ages 16+)
$99

Youth Ticket
(Ages 5-15)
$69

Child Ticket
(Ages 0-4)
FREE

Add'l Family Member Ticket
Additional Family Member
(Unlimited*)
$49

* Register the first four people in your family, adults first, into the proper ticket type. Register the rest under the Additional Family Member ticket and enjoy the lower price!

Teach Them Diligently
Homeschool Conference after the Tour!

May 4-6 – Pigeon Forge, TN
Great Speakers / Great Resources / Great Fellowship
Register for the TTD Conference here and save $20 on Family Registration with code Landmark23.

3 Brand New Messages by Bill Potter

  • The Messianic Character of American Education
  • Women of the Protestant Reformation: Exemplars of Virtue and Competence
  • George Orwell Revisited in 2023

Stop by our booth, #TBA, in the exhibit hall. We would love to say hello and give you a free $50 gift certificate! (Separate registration required)

Note: Schedule days and venues subject to change.

The tour has expanded and we’ve made some minor changes to the schedule and the venue Wednesday evening. Given that 95% of our guests live in Greenville, we’re going to move Wednesday night fellowship time to 5:30pm at Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1111 Myers St in Greenville, TN. Pizza and ice cream for all, provided by a fellow guest. This allows those families to participate, and adds just a few minutes for those of us staying in Pigeon Forge. Bill Potter will give a brief talk on Presbyterian history while we eat, and then we’ll have the quiz and fellowship time.

Wednesday, May 3

9:00am   Springhill Suites Pigeon Forge
Inspire meeting room on first floor.
120 Christmas Tree Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
10:00am   Titanic Museum
5 mins from Springhill Suites
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
2:00pm   Tusculum University
Doak House Museum—90 mins from Titanic
690 Erwin Hwy, Tusculum, TN 37745
4:00pm   General Longstreet Museum
35 mins from Tusculum
5915 E Andrew Johnson Hwy, Russellville, TN 37860
6:00pm   Q & A
Followed by Food & Fellowship and a Quiz at Springhill Suites
120 Christmas Tree Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Thursday, May 4

9:00am   Patriot Park
Meet at the Pavilion by the river. 10 mins from Springhill Suites.
186 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
    Highland Games!
A great day in the park to exercise bodies and minds-Scottish Style! Location in Pigeon Forge TBA.

  • Tug o’ War / Running Races / Arm wrestling / Stone put / Fiddling
  • Scots Irish Knowledge Bowl
  • Translation Contest
  • More things Scottish!
  • Medals for the winners!

TTD Homeschool Convention, LaConte Center

May 4-6, Pigeon Forge, TN

3 Brand New Messages by Bill Potter will be presented at the Pigeon Forge TTD Homeschool Convention:
• The Messianic Character of American Education
• Women of the Protestant Reformation, Exemplars of Virtue and Competence
• George Orwell Revisited in 2023

Upcoming Events

Virginia Historic Triangle Tour
October 18-19, 2024

Pilgrims and Patriots Tour
November 18-23, 2024