Horn in the West facts for kids
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Horn in the West is an exciting outdoor play performed every summer in Boone, North Carolina. It takes place at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater. This show started in 1952 and is the oldest play about the American Revolution in the United States!
The story is about the brave mountain settlers of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. It covers the years between 1771 and 1780, right during the American Revolution. The main character is Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, who supports the British. He has to leave his home because of something his son did during the Battle of Alamance.
Frontiersman Daniel Boone guides Dr. Stuart into the mountains. Dr. Stuart then has to decide where his true loyalty lies. Is it with his country or with his son? The play also includes important historical Cherokee figures. These include Nancy Ward, Dragging Canoe, and Attakullakulla.
The show didn't happen in 2020 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. But it came back in 2021 and has been running ever since!
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Famous Actors and Directors
Many talented people have been part of Horn in the West over the years. Some of the most important roles are Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, Daniel Boone, Jack Stuart, and Rev. Isaiah Sims. Rev. Sims is a traveling preacher who becomes friends with Dr. Stuart.
- Dr. Geoffrey Stuart: This main role has been played by many actors. William Ross was the first to play Dr. Stuart. Other actors like Mark Allen Woodard, Andrew Dylan Ray, and Ryan Gentry have also played him. Jeremy Homesley took on the role in 2023.
- Daniel Boone: The legendary frontiersman was first played by Ned Austin. He played Boone for three years. After him, Glenn Causey played Daniel Boone for an amazing 41 years! Wesley Martin, Joseph Watson, and Scott Loveless have also played this famous character.
- Rev. Isaiah Sims: This role was created in 1956 for Charles C. Elledge. He played Rev. Sims for many years until 1983. Darrell King has also played this role for over twenty years.
Many people have also directed the show. Ed Pilkington was a director for a long time, from 1971 to 1991. Later, Julie A. Richardson directed the show from 2008 to 2013. Chris Bellinger and Britton Corry have also directed. In 2023, Darrell King, who played Rev. Sims, became the Artistic Director.
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA) is the group that puts on Horn in the West. They started in 1951 and still produce the show today.
SAHA also runs the Hickory Ridge History Museum. This museum is in the same 35-acre park as the Daniel Boone Amphitheater. Hickory Ridge was created in 1980. It has six old cabins from the 1700s and 1800s. You can take guided tours of these cabins. Guides wear old-fashioned clothes and show you what life was like back then. One of the oldest cabins, called the "Potato cabin," was even used to house actors from the show for a few years!
SAHA used to have another theater called the Powderhorn Theater. It was a smaller theater where actors could practice other plays. It was used from 1964 to 2008. Sadly, it was taken down in 2013 because it wasn't safe anymore.
You can find many old documents about SAHA and Horn in the West at Appalachian State University. These documents tell the story of the organization and the plays.
Other Cool Places in the Park
The park where Horn in the West is performed is leased from the town of Boone. Other groups also use this park.
- Daniel Boone Native Gardens: This beautiful garden is run by a different non-profit group. It's a great place to see local plants.
- Farmers' Market: The big parking lot for Horn in the West is also home to Watauga County's farmers' market. You can visit it on Saturdays from April to November to find fresh local goods!
See also
