1973
The State of North Carolina completed its acquisition of the 31 plus acres of the original site of the fort. The Daughters of the American Revolution donated ten acres of land that encompassed the original site of the fort, a tract the group had purchased and held for many years in anticipation of the Fort’s reconstruction.
1976
Driven by a mission to preserve and interpret North Carolina’s only French and Indian War fort, Fort Dobbs was designated as a state historic site under the purview of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.
2003 - 2004
Fort Dobbs Alliance, now known as the Friends of Fort Dobbs, and North Carolina Historic Sites began collaboration on vision for the site. Statesville delegation visits Tryon Palace in New Bern to learn about planning and fundraising strategies, support groups, economic development and preservation.
November 2005
Larry Babits, PhD, of East Carolina University, completes a definitive archaeological report on Fort Dobbs enabling the rebirth and reconstruction process to begin. In all, archaeological excavations at the site uncovered more than 6,000 artifacts and important architectural features.
A Picture Emerges
January 2006
Master planning process is launched with public forum at Gardner-Webb University facilitated by Charles Page of the Cool Spring Center.
February 2007
Second master planning session held in Statesville, also facilitated by Charles Page.
March 2007
Strategic planning committee named to help plan the future of Fort Dobbs State Historic Site. Friends of Fort Dobbs and the Division of State Historic Sites and Properties cosponsor the planning effort.
May 2008
Strategic plan unveiled.
A Compelling View of the Future
July 2008
The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awards $150,000 grant for multi-year project designed to expand and enhance the site’s historical and interpretive potential. The project is called “Fort Dobbs Historic Site: Reinterpretation, Expansion & Reconstruction."
June 2009
Haley Sharpe planning process begins.
November 2009
Fort hosts scholar review of the preliminary interpretive matrix. Scholar session was an important opportunity to gain input from leading French and Indian War scholars, the Eastern Band Cherokee Preservation Office and North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources staff on the site’s interpretive approach.
February 2010
Dr. Larry Gustke reviews findings of his research on projected visitation and economic impact to the Friends Board.
June 2010
Overview of the Comprehensive Interpretive Plan shared with community leaders. Friends’ capital campaign to reconstruct the Fort announced.
