Q: What makes Fort Dobbs so special? Why do this now?
 A: Fort Dobbs is the last of 14 French and Indian War forts in North America to be reconstructed. This is our generation's last opportunity for such an important historical undertaking. It is also the first opportunity in the U.S. in more than a generation to rebuild a famous historical site from a pristine greenfield back to its authentic, mid-18th Century glory on its original foundations. Moreover, Fort Dobbs is North Carolina's only French and Indian War site which preserves, for all time, the tumultuous history of the "war that made America." The Fort Dobbs project is so important that Linda Carlisle, Secretary of North Carolina's Department of Cultural Resources, has designated the site as a top initiative for the State in 2010.
The Fort Dobbs project has great momentum now because its Friends of Fort Dobbs has recently received a world-class comprehensive site development plan created by Haley-Sharpe Designs of the United Kingdom. This comprehensive plan lays out an in depth plan to rebuild the fort, and build an innovative museum, visitor center, and related site attractions. Moreover, the Friends of Fort Dobbs have begun a national capital campaign to fund the initial phase of the rebuilding process: the fort and site preparations for the museum and visitor center. Finally, Fort Dobbs marked its 250-year celebration of the battle between Indians and British soldiers, volunteers and citizens of the area that surrounded the fort. This clearly is the time to begin Fort Dobbs: An Adventure 250 Years in the Making!
Q: What kind of impact will this project have on school-age children?
 A: The educational impact for students of all ages is perhaps the greatest reason to reconstruct Fort Dobbs. Presently, Fort Dobbs offers a variety of exceptional programs to school groups that allow them to gain insight into the lives of people living on the frontier in the mid-18th Century. Students may witness the firing of a flintlock musket, learn the same military drill used by the garrison of 250 years ago, explore the science of archaeology through a hands-on simulated dig, try their hand at 18th Century construction, or even taste some of the fare issued to the troops.
Q: What about impact in classrooms near and far?
A: All programs are designed to meet various North Carolina Department of Education curriculum goals, with a special emphasis on 4th and 8th grade social studies courses. It is estimated that 1.4 million school children live within 100 miles of this exceptional educational opportunity. As one of only 14 restored or reconstructed forts in the United States from this period, Fort Dobbs will be known nationally and will draw students from farther afield.
Q: What are some of the new experiences that will be available to students?
 A: Once reconstructed, the fort will add many more opportunities for learning as students of all ages and backgrounds explore the building and the uses of its rooms, learn about food in the kitchen area, visualize how the design of the fort would aid in defense, experience what barracks bunk beds would be like, and even draw water from the original well, all in a comfortable, indoor setting. Of equal importance, the exhibits and audio-visual presentations that will be available in the new visitor center will orient all visitors to the site and give them a deeper appreciation of its role and place in history.
Q: Is this something that primarily benefits local students and residents?
A: Of course local students will benefit continuously from Fort Dobbs, but they account for only 20,000 of the 1.4 million school children who live within 100 miles of the fort. More than 10,000 school children visited Fort Dobbs' nationally respected re-enactments and educational outreach programs in 2009. The sites provide year around opportunities for kids to experience and learn history in an "outdoor classroom.” Fort Dobbs has long-standing relationships with school systems for its "living history" programs and curriculum support.
Q: Are there other ways the Fort Dobbs historic site will improve the quality of life and make its mark on North Carolina?
 A: Today almost 30,000 visitors tour Fort Dobbs annually. With close proximity to two heavily traveled Interstates (I-40 and I-70), an estimated 70 million people pass the fort annually. A highly respected economic study of the project estimates that a completed Fort Dobbs site will generate $21 million in economic impact on the regional economy, and create 400 jobs from the forecasted 125,000 or more site visitors annually. Fort Dobbs is expected to become one of the "must-see" historical sites in the U.S.
Q: How do leaders in State Government feel about this project?
A: North Carolina Secretary of Cultural Resources Linda Carlisle has spoken passionately about the project’s importance to the state and its ability to attract high value tourists: “People will travel from all over the country to come to this site. The more we can capitalize on the stories this land has to tell, the more these tourists will come here. This traveler comes for the authentic story and to absorb the genuine culture of a place. Fort Dobbs is a piece of authentic, unique North Carolina. It’s unique. It’s special. It will have an impact on this region--and our country.”
Q: Who is leading the fund-raising for the effort?
 A: Providing the foundation for this initiative is The Friends of Fort Dobbs, Inc., a not-for-profit volunteer organization with more than 1,200 members nationwide. The campaign is being led by Dave Grogan. The Friends have provided funding for educational programs, special events and other activities at the fort. While the state provides funds for the fort’s two full-time employees and basic operating expenses, the Friends provide additional funds to bring the fort to life for its visitors. Iredell County also provides funding for educational programs and outreach.
The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, which oversees the funding and operation of the fort, will provide additional staffing and an expanded budget once the fort structure is complete.
Q: Who will be asked to support this campaign?
A: To be successful, the campaign will require thoughtful and proportionate giving from the Friends of Fort Dobbs board, the local community, our site development partners, private citizens from across the state and philanthropic foundations and organizations. |
