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America's First War with Christopher Magra

Sat, Oct 03

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1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy

The Declaration of Independence was written during a war. What does that change about how we understand it?

America's First War with Christopher Magra
America's First War with Christopher Magra

Time & Location

Oct 03, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, 1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA

About the event

The Declaration of Independence was written during a war. What does that change about how we understand it? Join us on October 3rd at 12pm for a lecture and book signing with Dr. Christopher Magra, author of America’s First War: The Military History of the Declaration of Independence, published by the University of Tennessee Press. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the book reframes the Declaration as a deliberate military instrument, examining how it legitimized the American rebellion, rallied domestic support, and helped secure crucial foreign assistance during the war.


Additionally, join us before the lecture as the Stephen Holston Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution lead a liberty tree planting and dedication ceremony on site, beginning at 11am.


It will be a day full of Revolutionary history and fresh perspectives on understanding the founding of our country!

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Marble Springs State Historic Site Tennessee Historical Commission

Marble Springs State Historic Site  is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Historical Commission
 

Marble Springs State Historic Site is also generously supported by Knox County and the Arts and Heritage Fund with supplemental funds provided by the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association.

This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of
Tennessee.

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This project is supported in part by the Tennessee State Museum and the
State of Tennessee.

This project is supported in part by the
Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.

Sponsored by Americana Corner’s Preserving America Grant program

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1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway
Knoxville, TN 37920

 

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