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Camps
DO NOT set up a camp or store before registration and check-in are completed and location determined. All camps must be correct to the time period of 1774-1784. Simple lean-to shelters, wedge tents, marquees, and revolutionary war period wall tents are all acceptable. Open camps are correct and very simple to set. Remember, many people coming out at the time had no tents.
Firewood is provided. Bring your ax, as some wood will need to be split. Please return unused wood to wood piles. Fire pits should be dug 5-6 inches deep, sod removed and set in shade to be replaced before you leave. DO NOT leave food, trash, or unburned wood in pits.
Cookware of tin, brass, some copper, and iron is good. Keep iron to a minimum and of a design/type to suit the last quarter of the 18th century on the frontier. Think “two packhorses” for the average travelers coming out at the time. Forked sticks/limbs make a great, natural means for hanging pots over a fire. “Fire irons”, tripods, and big grills were not common among early travelers to Boonesborough. Once again, think about the “two packhorses”.
Coolers in camp are OK as long as they are covered/concealed/out of sight. Camp “furniture” should be kept to a minimum also; another “two horse” issue. Folding canvas or leather stools and those with folding backrests are acceptable, or maybe a few handmade or pole lathe turned chairs with seats of bark or cattails. This would be an item that would be related to the status/trade/social position of the owner. Stumps, log sections, kegs, and chests make good seats and the ground is always available in most all camps as a place to sit
Early lighting with camp fires, rush lights, grease lamps, pine splints, or simple tin lanterns would likely be more common than glass and wood lanterns among most folks. You may use straw in your camp if you must, but bring your own, and please scatter it in the woods before you leave. Be extra cautious with fire in camp if you use straw!
Clothing / Women
Participants should be in period clothing throughout the event weekend, including “afterhours” when the fort park is closed to visitors. Women’s clothing should be of the proper fabric of the period. Linen and wool or a combination of these was the most typical in the last quarter of the 18th century. Keep in mind that cotton was imported at the time and was only typical for people of means or someone that lived near a trade port. Cotton was uncommon on the frontier. Period eyewear should be worn when the public is present. While some may have had at least one “nice outfit”, most on a day to day basis would be wearing things like simple shifts, petticoats, open gowns, short gowns, bed jackets, aprons, caps/kerchiefs, moccasins, period shoes with buckles or commonly with ties, and barefoot folks were very common at the time. Women should wear the proper foundation garments i.e. stays or jumps. These are undergarments and should not be visible outside of clothing. Plain cloaks, capes, a matchcoat, or blanket can be used in cooler weather. Some women
Clothing / Children
Participants should be in period clothing throughout the event weekend, including “afterhours” when the fort is closed to visitors. Children’s clothes should be much the same as that worn by adults. Very young children need only a long simple gown/shift/”nightshirt” sort of garment. Footwear same as adults.
Clothing / Men
Participants should be in period clothing throughout the event weekend, including “afterhours” when the fort is closed to visitors. Men’s clothing should be typical of that worn in the last quarter of the 18th century. Period eyewear should be worn when the public is present. Men of greater means may have had more or better clothing, but the majority of early travelers to Kentucky would have had much the same as others around them. Depending upon their trade, occupation, or purpose at any particular time, possibilities would include fall-front or fly-front britches or trousers, breechclouts, leggings, typical period shirts of linen or other natural material, hunting shirts or frocks, sleeveless waistcoats or “weskits” of the period would be shorter than the earlier, longer style. Belts would be leather with brass double-d buckles, some iron buckles, or sashes worn with shirt breechclout, and leggings. Hats were worn by most men at most times and included head scarves, felt hats of wool and beaver, some fur hats to a lesser degree (mostly cold weather), and straw hats suitable to the time and place and person. Boots, shoes, moccasins – all suited to the period- and bare feet good. One item very often seen in the past few years; the “neck knife”, especially in a quilled sheath, is one that needs documentation for use in Kentucky at the time of Boonesborough. If you know of such, please make us aware of the source and/or bring along your documentation.
Clothing / Native Men
Participants should be in period clothing throughout the event weekend, including “afterhours” when the fort is closed to visitors. Clothing should be typical of that worn in the last half of the 18th century by the men of eastern woodland tribes such as Shawnee, Miami, Delaware, Mingo, Wyandot, and Cherokee. “Captured” clothing from Europeans in combinations with trade shirts of linen and other natural materials, leggings, garters, breechclouts, leather belts with buckles, sashes, all of period design and materials are acceptable. Center seam moccasins most common, traded/captured shoes with buckles or ties, and bare feet, all are good. Matchcoats, blankets and hides of deer, elk, bear, beaver, etc. may provide warmth in cooler weather. Tattoos, paint, jewelry and accouterments should all be suitable to the time/place/person.
Clothing / Native Women
Participants should be in period clothing throughout the event weekend, including “afterhours” when the fort is closed to visitors. Clothing should be typical of that worn in the last half of the 18th century by women of eastern woodland tribes such as Shawnee, Miami, Delaware, Mingo, Wyandot, and Cherokee. “Captured” clothing from Europeans is acceptable in combination with Native wear. Trade shirts, shifts, petticoats, wrap skirts, leggings, garters, and belts / sashes are all acceptable. Moccasins, captured shoes, and bare feet are good. Paint, tattoos, jewelry, and accoutrements should fit the character/time/place. Blankets, matchcoats, hides of deer, elk, bear, and beaver may provide warmth in cooler times.
Clothing / Native Children
Participants should be in period clothing throughout the event weekend, including “afterhours” when the fort is closed to visitors. Children’s clothes should be much the same as that worn by adults. Footwear same as adults.
Merchants / Traders
All previously mentioned camp and clothing guidelines apply. Stores should be suited to the period. Plain wood tables or others skirted to the ground. All goods for sale or trade are to be appropriate for the period. Tags and packaging should also reflect the period. Call ahead if you need to set up early. Your inventory will be juried for acceptance. Appropriate tax is the responsibility of the seller. Kentucky State tax forms will be available. If you have questionable items, be prepared to show documentation.
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