Mark your calendars for April 25th, 2025 for the first official Washington County event in 2026 to commemorate America's 250th anniversary! The America 250 NC Washington County 250th Committee and the Washington County Historical Society at the Daniel Davenport Festival have come together to commemorate the lives of Revolutionary War Soldiers.
There will be living history demonstrations, including ropemaking, examples of soldiers' rations and their equipment, camp cooking, and others. Period musicians will provide musical performances. Other presentations include medicine during the American Revolution, and the Tyrrell County Men who served in the American Revolution, since Washington County was not officially established until 1799.
Tours of the main house and its assorted buildings, which illustrate 18th-century life, including a corn crib, smokehouse, and a building for the loom, have been arranged. The Homestead is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a rare but fine example of a late 18th-century yeoman farmer's dwelling, and it remains in nearly original condition, despite the fact that the descendants of Davenport lived in the house until the mid-1970s without making any modern improvements. A truly unique gem in the region.
The Sons of the American Revolution are holding a recognition and wreath-laying ceremony, including information about Daniel Davenport's six-month service in the NC 5th Regiment and his legacy in Washington County, at 2:00 pm. Local school children will sing as part of the ceremony.
Please note: The celebration festival is free, but the food truck on site is not. In addition, the Homestead does not have a specific address. It is located on Mount Tabor Road in Cresswell on the corner of State Route 1143 and 1146. If coming from the direction of Creswell, it is on the road to the right after a sharp curve at the Mount Tabor Free Will Baptist Church. You can also use Google Maps, Davenport Homestead, Creswell, NC. It will take you there. Please email Chris Barber with any questions.