Independence Day Celebration & Anvil Shoot

July 4, 2018

Anvil shooting used to be a fairly common way that rural folks celebrated special events–they “shot the anvil” to celebrate the nation’s Independence, Christmas, and even Davy Crockett’s election to the U.S. Congress. Some years ago, two men, each more than 100 years old, watched the Museum’s anvil shoot and recalled this tradition from their early boyhood. The Museum of Appalachia celebrates Independence Day by launching a gunpowder-filled anvil high into the sky. “Anvil shooting” was once a common way for pioneers to celebrate special events.

Pricing and hours will be announced in the coming months.

The anvil shoot is the centerpiece of a celebration that includes a bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, old-fashioned games, music, and demonstrations from beekeepers, blacksmiths, and patriotic re-enactors. For more info, contact Beth Hall at bethhall@museumofappalachia.org or 865-494-7680.