WREATH LAYING CEREMONIES

WREATH LAYING CEREMONIES

In recognition of General William Campbell and John Broady

In recognition of the service of General William Campbell and John Broady during the American Revolution, specifically at the Battle of Kings Mountain, two wreath laying ceremonies will take place on September 23, 2017.  The program will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Broady Cemetery in Saltville, VA.  Participants and guests will then travel to the Aspenvale Cemetery in Seven Mile Ford where the program will continue at approximately 3:45 p.m.

In 1780, William Campbell was Colonel of the Washington County Virginia Militia and John Broady was his man-servant.  When a call was issued for militia to respond to British Major Patrick Ferguson’s threat that, “he would march his army over the mountains, hang their leaders, and lay their country waste with fire and sword,” men from all over the region moved into action.  Under the leadership of Colonel William Campbell, 400 Virginians set out to join patriot militia from modern-day Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.  After a two week campaign, the Overmountain Men fought the Battle of Kings Mountain with overwhelming success.  Thomas Jefferson said it was “the turn of the tide of success which terminated the Revolutionary War, with the seal of our independence”. 

Please join the Black’s Fort Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution, Royal Oak Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution, General William Campbell Chapter-Sons of the American Revolution, and the Overmountain Victory Trail Association as we celebrate the lives, achievements, and service of these remarkable patriots.

Directions to the Broady Cemetery from Interstate 81: Take exit 35 and turn onto Highway 107 from the exit ramp going toward Chilhowie.  Drive straight, north from Chilhowie to Saltville, on Highway 107.  Travel approximately 8 miles.  At the first traffic light, turn right onto Highway 91 North.  Go about a mile and turn left onto Battleground Avenue.  You will pass the Saltville Rescue Squad.  At the dead-end of Battleground Avenue, proceed down the dirt lane labeled Broady Cemetery.

Directions to Aspenvale Cemetery from Interstate 81: Take exit 39 and turn toward Seven Mile Ford.  Turn left onto Highway 11 South, Lee Highway, and then turn right onto Seven Mile Ford Road.  The cemetery will be on the right.  (for GPS purposes, use 303 Seven Mile Ford Road, 24354).

If you would like more information about this topic, please call 276-525-1050 or email lhunter@abingdon-va.gov.

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