Liberty Mountain is a dramatic, live-performance theatre event that uses professional lighting, projections, live-firing historical weaponry, pyrotechnics, professional performers, reenactors, musicians, and singers, as well as some of the most experienced technicians in the industry, to bring history to life.

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The play is devoted to more than retelling, but capturing the emotional impact and significance of the Battle of Kings Mountain, that took place on October 7th, 1780, helping put a stop to the momentum of Britain's lightning-paced 'Southern Strategy'. Kings Mountain, geographically, sits about 7 miles from the Joy Theatre (downtown Kings Mountain, NC) where the play is performed, and even though among the Appalachians it more resembles a hill, what makes this spot so important is the chaotic clash between gigantic forces of militia in a one-of-a-kind military campaign that has no equal. In no other time of war have two larger, more organized and formidable forces comprised solely of citizen soldiers, or militia formed from local communities, had such a major and obvious impact on the outcome of a world war. 

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In 1874, the town formerly known as White Plains changed its name officially to the City of Kings Mountain, rightfully nicknamed 'the historical city'. This high quality performance is rooted in the area that was most protected by this important military event. Patriot militia units from every single Southern Colony joined this crucial effort, and anyone familiar with the American South to this day, can imagine how monumental of a task it was to organize a collaborative effort between these intensely competitive regions.  Rivalries and border disputes were put on hold to put a stop to infamous Major Patrick Ferguson, where he had so arrogantly camped on top of Kings Mountain and declared his threat to burn, pillage, and conquer the backcountry of each colony. 

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Liberty Mountain focuses on a group immigrating from Northern Ireland to the backcountry of South Carolina, and while trying to remain neutral, like many in the area, they are inevitably pulled into the conflict ripping their new home apart. Famous military commanders like Isaac Shelby and John Sevier are important characters in Liberty Mountain who help inspire, motivate, and lead average everyday citizens to journey over 300 miles and place their lives on the line to save their fledgling nation. Battles of the American Revolution, such as Bunker Hill and the attack at Camden, South Carolina, and of course epic Kings Mountain, are reenacted on stage using live firing weaponry and professional performers trained in realistic stage combat techniques, as well as historical fighting styles and troop movements. 

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This is an exciting live-performance event that provides a rich and memorable lesson about some of America's most important history, and a battle that, like the mountain itself, may seem short-lived and compact when compared to others, but in 1780, the Battle of Kings Mountain turned the entire tide of the entire conflict back on the path toward victory. Not only was it an overwhelming win for the Patriot militia, but the unexpected result reinvigorated the liberty-movement in America as a whole, renewed the spirit of revolution, and proved for the first time ever, that a well-trained, experienced enemy entrenched on the high ground still wasn't invincible enough to push back the wave of freedom as it came crashing down on the Carolina Backcountry in the late 18th Century. 

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The performance takes place for 4 weekends each fall, the 2025 performance season begins September 19th and ends October 12th. Liberty Mountain also offers shortened, weekday, day-time performances for school groups as field trip opportunities for 2 weeks during the run. Tickets will go on sale by July 4th, 2025 at the latest, but group rates, school show reservations, and other information is available now by contacting our box office. 

(704.730.9408, jim@kmlt.org)

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We are currently hiring performers, technicians and many volunteers for the 2025 Production Season.

Click here to view open positions and apply!