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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – A beloved piece of Kingsport’s history made a triumphant return on Saturday as the Netherland Inn reopened its doors, setting the stage for festivities linked to the forthcoming America 250 celebration.
The grand reopening was marked by an array of engaging activities. Visitors enjoyed live music and games, while guided tours of the Inn provided insights into the storied past of flatboats and their uses during the nation’s formative years.
Attendees were offered a glimpse into everyday life during the Revolutionary War period. The event featured period-appropriate dancing by Sabine Hill in the Bank Barn, adding a touch of authenticity. The life and times of Rebecca Boone were vividly recounted, offering a personal connection to history.
As shared on social media, guests had the opportunity to delve into historical documents spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. Among these records is a newly compiled list of names of those who owned or lived around the Inn from 1800 to 1830, enriching the local historical narrative.
In conversation with News Channel 11, Glenda Bobalik, the Steering Committee Chairman for the Netherland Inn and Boatyard, shed light on the area’s vibrant past, particularly around the pivotal year of 1776.
“The main thing happening around here was people were arriving and building flatbeds and floating down the river to go west,” Bobalik said. “So it was a meeting place I guess, and a community grew up eventually.”
Bobalik said that the area is a tribute to the people who built Kingsport, from William King, who purchased the land, to Richard Devlin, who bought the Inn.
“How this ties into the community and preserving our history is important as we move forward,” Bobalik added. “So it’s great. We love having people. That’s why we’re here.”
The Netherland Inn will be open from May 1 to the end of October, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.
The next special event is a Formal Tea Event on June 13, according to Bobalik.
For more information about the Inn or any special events coming up soon, go online to their website.