Special to Iredell Free News

By December of 1756, Fort Dobbs was complete. Its garrison of 50 North Carolina soldiers prepared to spend the first of many winters in the building as they guarded the western edge of settlement in the British colony during the French and Indian War.

On Saturday, December 11, visitors to the reconstructed Fort Dobbs will be able to experience daily life as it was in the 18th century. Costumed re-enactors representing colonial soldiers and settlers will bring the fort to life with ongoing demonstrations including hearth cooking and woodworking. Musket firing demonstrations will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. Face masks are required indoors.

About Fort Dobbs State Historic State

Fort Dobbs is a replica of the fort completed in 1756. Located at 438 Fort Dobbs Road in Statesville, the site is open Tuesday-Saturday for timed tours of the fort for an age-based fee of $1 or $2. It is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.