Elijah Clark State Park will host a special program honoring General Elijah Clark at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 14.

The “Heroes of the Hornets’ Nest Ceremony” is being held in conjunction with activities commemorating the 231st anniversary of the Battle of Kettle Creek in Wilkes County.

Among those scheduled to speak at Elijah Clark State Park is Dr. Christine Swager, the author of “Heroes of Kettle Creek 1779-1782” and other books on the Revolutionary War. The retired professor taught in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina.

Along with Dr. Swager, the program will also include greetings from representatives of various historic preservation groups, patriotic music, wreath presentations, a musket salute, and individuals decked out in Continental Army and Georgia Militia attire.

Following the ceremony, there will be an open house at the Elijah Clark Museum, living history demonstrations, and refreshments, including wassail, venison stew, cornbread, spice cake, and hot chocolate. The festivities are scheduled to conclude at 2 p.m.

The public is cordially invited to attend the observance.

Moreover, visitors are reminded that all Georgia parks charge a $5 entrance fee.

The Heroes of Hornets’ Nest Ceremony is being sponsored by Elijah Clark State Park; the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR); the Washington-Wilkes Chapter of the Georgia Society SAR; and the Elijah Clark Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The Battle of Kettle Creek was a turning point for the American Revolution in the South. It was described as “the severest check and chastisement the Tories ever received in South Carolina or Georgia.” Gen. Clark, who was a colonel at the time, emerged as the hero of the battle.

Born in 1733 in North Carolina, Clark moved to Georgia in 1773 and spent many years of his life in what is now Lincoln County. Lincoln County was still a part of Wilkes County during the Revolutionary War.

Just three years after Clark moved to Georgia, news of the Declaration of Independence reached Savannah. The Royal Government of Georgia was buried, and the liberty and independence of the youngest of the 13 colonies was established.

Georgia called a convention, formed a constitution, and adopted a Great Seal of State on February 7, 1777.

In response to the British threat, Clark recruited 200 men, who promised to follow him into battle and stand behind him until death. He then traveled to Savannah where he signed a personal bond for 4,560 pounds sterling for raising and recruiting a battalion for the defense of the western frontiers of Georgia.

Clark and his men won many battles during the Revolutionary War, but “War Hill” near Kettle Creek, the Battle of Augusta, and victories over the Creek and Cherokee Indians were the most important in Georgia’s fight for independence.

Concerning the Battle of Kettle Creek, Clinton J. Perryman in his book, “History of Lincoln County Georgia,” wrote:

“Early in the morning of February 14, the Americans resumed their march and surprised Col. Boyd at his camp at Kettle Creek, where his men, unapprehensive of danger, had turned out their horses to forage in the swamp, and were preparing breakfast. Col. Dooly commanded the right wing of 100 men; Col. Clark, the left with 100 men; and Col. Pickens, the center with 200 men.

“A bloody battle ensued, lasting nearly two hours, in which Boyd and 75 of his men were killed, 75 were taken prisoner, and the remainder of the forces were completely routed. The American loss was nine killed and 23 wounded. With this victory, about 600 horses and their equipment, a large quantity of arms, and much clothing fell into the hands of the Americans.”

In addition to the tribute to Gen. Clark, other special events commemorating this famous battle will take place Friday through Sunday, February 12-14, in Washington. A few of the activities scheduled for “Revolutionary Days” are as follows:

Friday: Noted Georgia historian and author, Dr. Robert Scott Davis, will speak on “Exciting News from Kettle Creek about Old Wilkes County” at the Mary Willis Library, beginning at 3 p.m.

Saturday:

.. A video depicting the Battle of Kettle Creek is scheduled to be shown at the Mary Willis Library at 8:30 a.m. Also, United States Army historians will provide a brief summary of the battle and answer questions.

.. A parade and living history demonstrations will take place at the square, starting at 10 a.m.

.. A dramatic portrayal of the Battle of Kettle Creek will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Washington Park, located behind the Wilkes County Courthouse.

.. From 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., walking tours will be conducted by Army historians at the Kettle Creek Battlefield.

.. At 2 p.m., the SAR will hold a memorial ceremony at the Kettle Creek Monument on War Hill Road, which winds through the battlefield. The event will feature musket volleys, fife and drum music, enactors from the Continental Army and the Georgia Militia, and wreath presentations.

Sunday: A colonial worship service is set for 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

For more information about the festivities, call Elijah Clark State Park at 706-359-3458 or the Washington- Wilkes Chamber of Commerce at 706-678-2013.