By May of 1775, men, women, and children were heading west, deep into the harsh wilderness. They follow a trace that leads them to a life of freedom. However, that freedom is often overshadowed by hardships, the likes of which many have never known. The further onto the western fringe they travel, the more important community becomes. Journey to Joseph Martin’s station, Virginia’s final point of rest and resupply, and walk amongst merchants and tradesmen. Meet those individuals who traveled the trace and the indigenous peoples they encountered along their journey. Come and immerse yourself in Virginia: America’s First Frontier.
Virginia: America’s First Frontier, a multi-day, ongoing living history event, allows you to experience the western frontier like never before. Witness Joseph Martin’s station, and adjoining Native American town, come to life with hundreds of the nation’s best living historians. Shop amongst period blanket traders, vendors, and merchants. Enjoy a multitude of lectures and seminars on a variety of 18th century topics delivered by world-renowned historians.
Virginia: America’s First Frontier is hosted and coordinated by Wilderness Road State Park and sponsored by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park. Activities associated with Virginia: America’s First Frontier and trade fair are the combined efforts of local civic, community, and school groups, as well as, 18th century living history settlers, merchants, and various military and Native American re-enactment groups.
