When Chad Boggart, 21, walked onto the set of "The Wataugans" in 1998, little did he know he would become fully submerged in the existing subculture of 18th century re-enactors who work feverishly year-round to produce Tennessee's Official Outdoor Drama.
  "I was reading the newspaper and saw the announcement for a casting call, and I showed up," said Boggart. "I started as a walk-on with no experience whatsoever." Boggart has always had a love for history and was inspired by a cousin who participated in a Gold Rush re-enactment in California. "He got me hooked," he said.
  Now Boggart plays John Carter, the central character of "The Wataugans," who was one of the five "commissioners" of the Watauga Association, which is now known as the first free and independent government in America. "To me, 'The Wataugans' is not a play; it's a recreatement," said Boggart.
  Before landing the role of John Carter, who also serves as the narrator, Boggart played James Robertson and Rev. Doak. When Director-Producer John Ruetz asked him to play John Carter, he was hesitant, but agreed. Now he loves it.
  "If we don't keep telling the stories, the history of Sycamore Shoals will be lost forever," said Boggart.
  Boggart, an Elizabethton resident, attended Happy Valley High School and is currently attending Northeast State, where he is majoring in history. He hopes to one day be a Park Ranger at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Boggart also helps Cheryl Smith, president of the Watauga Historical Association, with the Living Histories at the fort.
  Ruetz and the camaraderie of the people have been monumental in the success of "The Wataugans," which continues to grow each year, said Boggart.