Bringing the American Revolution to Life: Liberty Mountain Returns Friday, September 18, 2026
PRESS RELEASE -August 17, 2026
IKINGS MOUNTAIN, NC — Liberty Mountain returns to the Joy Theatre on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Revolutionary-era festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m.
Visitors will experience Revolutionary War reenactors, cannon and musket live-fire demonstrations, crafts, horse-mounted dragoons, a Drum and Fife Corps, music, food, and beverages. Friday evening catering will be provided by Guilty Pleasures Catering & Bakery.
THREE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL EXHIBITS
Thomas Kelly Pauley — “Wall of Commanders” Renowned portrait artist Thomas Kelly Pauley (www.pauleyportraits.com) returns with his acclaimed portraits of the key Patriot and Loyalist commanders at Kings Mountain. The “Wall of Commanders” has long been a favorite of patrons and offers a special photo opportunity for descendants of those who fought in the battle.
Charles Toppan — Jefferson’s Rough Draft New for 2026, the 1829 Charles Toppan steel engravings of Thomas Jefferson’s original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence will be exhibited at the Joy. Brought by Founding Sponsors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, the engravings preserve Jefferson’s handwritten draft, including interlineations by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
Theodore W. Ohman — Declaration of Independence Also on display is a 1942 Theodore W. Ohman lithographic restoration of the Declaration of Independence, donated by John B. and Sonja Houston. Ohman recreated the Declaration using an early photograph of the original parchment and the 1823 Stone engraving. Examples of his work are held by the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and Independence Hall.
Together, these exhibits help tell the story of American freedom—from Jefferson’s words declaring independence to the Carolina patriots who fought to preserve it at Kings Mountain.
Written by Robert “Bob” Inman, Liberty Mountain brings to life the dramatic events leading to the October 7, 1780, Battle of Kings Mountain, a pivotal victory in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.
The production features full theatrical action, music, epic battles, and special effects. Since its debut in 2014, Liberty Mountain has been presented continuously, with nearly 5,000 guests attending last season.
The story of the Battle of Kings Mountain is uniquely tied to Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, and the Carolinas—yet remains largely unknown to many Americans. Liberty Mountain is dedicated to preserving and sharing this remarkable chapter of American history.
Performances continue each weekend from September 18 through October 11, 2026.
For tickets and information, visit www.libertymountaindrama.com or www.kmlt.org, or call 704-730-9408.
Join us to relive history and celebrate the patriots and the battle that helped shape a nation!
HUZZAH!
The 2026 Liberty Mountain Committee
Founders: Shirley Brutko, Jim Champion, Rick Dancy, Jerry Ledford, Gilbert and Jancy Patrick – Treasurer: Mary Grace Keller
Committee Members: Seth Chappell, Bobby Childers, John Harris, Shearra Miller, Warren Moss, Angela Padgett, Margot Plonk, Jada Rees, MaryWade Smith, Wes Westmoreland, and Lloyd Williams, Jr.
Playwright: Robert (Bob) Inman
Artistic Director: Jeremy Trent Homesley
Music Director: Ashley DeMar
Liberty Mountain is produced by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc.
Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Founding Sponsors