Even Temper: The Art of Hardening Steel in a Frontier Forge

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

Even Temper: The Art of Hardening Steel in a Frontier Forge April 12, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - *3:00 p.m. - *Program at 4:30 - Flame and hammer. The tools and importance of the blacksmith have been the same for centuries. On the vast Virginia frontier of the late 18th century, the skills of a smith […]

Virginia: America’s First Frontier – A 250th Celebration

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

America's First Frontier: A 250th Celebration In the spring of 1775, men, women, and children head west, deep into the untamed wilderness. The trace they follow leads to a life of freedom. However, the journey is shrouded by the onset of a great revolution. Community becomes key. Settlements a beacon in the wilderness. Travel to […]

Kids To Parks Day

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

Kids To Parks Day May 17, 2025. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Explore Virginia’s frontier through the eyes of a child. Visit with the men of Martin’s company as they immerse you in the life of a frontier soldier. Interact with historic craftsmen and learn about the life and work of the young apprentice. Culminate […]

National Trails Day

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

National Trails Day June 7, 2025. Program at 1:00 p.m. Hike at 2:00 p.m. Visit Wilderness Road State Park on National Trails Day to create and customize your own hiking stick. We provide the sticks. You provide the creativity. Afterwards join our rangers as they lead you on a mile long hike along the Pioneer […]

The Thread Of Independence

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

In Defense Of Liberty June 14, 2025. Programs at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Battle of Bunker Hill is now infamous. The effects of revolution are spilling onto the Virginia frontier and men have mustered, preparing to march in defense of liberty. A heartfelt symbol of home is presented, both as a reminder and […]

In Defense Of Liberty

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

In Defense Of Liberty June 14, 2025. Program at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The shadow of revolution darkens Powell’s Valley. Provisions are laid. Powder and ball are gathered. Journey to Martin’s Station and join the men of Fincastle County as they prepare to travel to Shepherdstown. Upon assembly, if necessity commands, they will defend […]

A Shot Of Vengeance

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

A Shot Of Vengeance June 28, 2025. Programs at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and  4:00 pm Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be considered a vulgar brawl. Join the artillery encampment at Martin’s Station, visit with “Vengeance” and her crew, and experience the equipment and techniques of artillery on the frontier during […]

A Declaration Of Independence

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

A Declaration Of Independence July 4, 2025 A Reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, leaving ties to the English crown in ruin and the North American colonies in an open state of rebellion. Join Captain Martin as word of liberty […]

As The Hammer Falls

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

As The Hammer Falls July 12, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Programs at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - With ties to England severed, all imports to the American colonies have abruptly ended. Firelocks, swords, axes, and knives are now necessary but in short supply. Blacksmiths across Virginia are being called upon. Without […]

Frontier Justice

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

Frontier Justice August 16, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - *Program at 2:00 p.m. - Law in the west is swift and harsh. An autocratic system overshadows theocracy. Verdicts are defined not by the law of man, but by the nature of the offense. *Colonel Preston has arrived at Martin’s Station to convene court. […]

The Earthen Oven

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

The Earthen Oven August 23, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. *Program at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Program at 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bread and meat are common fare found along the western fringes of the Virginia frontier. Bread, however, requires certain equipment and technique to produce. *Join our bakers as they fire […]

Apprentices And Journeymen

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

Apprentices And Journeymen September 1, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. *Brass casting program at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. During the 18th century, master craftsmen taught skills and labor through apprenticeships. The techniques learned were invaluable and became a necessary part of the labor force needed to build a new nation. Join the apprentices […]

Unbroken: Heroines of the Virginia Frontier

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

September 13, 2025. Program Presentations at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm Across Virginia, women made the journey into the wilderness with hearts full of hope. They established new homes and created opportunities for generations to come. Travel the hunter’s trace to Martin’s Station and join the women of Powell’s Valley as they harness […]

Forting Up

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

Forting Up Sept. 19, 2025 12:00 p.m. - Sept. 21, 2025 12:00 p.m. Imagine finding yourself approaching a beacon of rest and resupply with nothing but the clothes on your back. You are miles, days, beyond the fringes of civilization and a wooden palisade is all the stands between you and the untamed wilderness. Danger […]

Martin’s Station Fall Encampment

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

Martin's Station Fall Encampment A long summer has given way to autumn. The harvest of Powell’s Valley abounds. Our community is gathering to give thanks and celebrate the fruits of their hard labor. Journey to Joseph Martin’s Station, on the far reaches of the Virginia frontier, and visit with skilled tradesmen, mingle with tidewater merchants, […]

A Frontier Christmas

Wilderness Road State Park 8051 Wilderness Rd., Ewing, VA, United States

A Frontier Christmas December 13, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Various Demonstrations from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lantern Tour at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. As cold winds and long shadows fill Powell’s Valley, journey to Joseph Martin’s station for an evening of glad tidings and good cheer. Join the historic Yuletide celebration […]

‘Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.’


– Benjamin Franklin