The Overmountain Men arose on September 29th, 1780 at Cathey’s Plantation just south of present-day Spruce Pine. They break camp and prepare for the next leg of their journey. Their leaders, William Campbell, Isaac Shelby, and John Sevier met to discuss the best route to take off the mountain that would ensure protection for the force from Ferguson. They were concerned with the narrow trails heading down the Blue Ridge Escarpment, fearing that Ferguson could set up an ambush at a narrow point and take out the army as it tried to descend, attacking from above. So, the decision was made to split the force in two, taking two paths down the Blue Ridge at Gillespie Gap.