January 1, 2014
In October 1880, a disorganized collection of local militias barely represented a threat to British domination--until about 1,000 rebels marched over the mountains from the northern tip of North Carolina (now Tennessee) to hunt down British forces under Major Ferguson. They met on a low ridge, King's Mountain, just over the South Carolina border. The ensuing Whig victory altered the course of the Revolution. McCrumb's series has previously featured Appalachian folklore, but this tenth entry (after The Ballad of Tom Dooley) enlivens a pivotal historical event. John Sevier, a leader of the Overmountain Men, details both life on the frontier and the motives for Southern rebellion, while the voices of Major Ferguson and his local servant Virginia Sal personalize British and neutral Carolinian viewpoints. Brilliantly performed by Tom Stechschulte, Rick Holmes, and Julia Gibson. VERDICT Highly recommended and of interest to listeners who enjoy American history and historical fiction.--Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC
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