Summer 1991: The Last of the Mohicans

Photo of set construction, Fort William Henry

It makes for an interesting summer, having a movie shot in your own "backyard"! When Forward Pass Productions started clearing land for the huge set "Fort William Henry" in April, 1991, I wasn't so sure, though.

I love the natural look of Lake James in Burke County, N.C. To me, the enroachment of expensive shoreline homes does not enhance the landscape. The movie set, however, was only temporary, and the land has been allowed to return to a wild tangle of pines, hardwoods, brambles, and brush.

Photo of fort on Lake James

The construction of this 9 million dollar set provided jobs for many area people. The (to me) minor inconvenience of a six-mile detour to my relatives' RV was well worth it for the experience of having Native American extras greet you when you were out walking the dog!

Photo of Indian extra
At right is a part of my Mohican Madness collection. It pays to do lakeside litter pickups; they yield pieces of the fort and styrofoam cannonballs! The standup of Hawkeye is an original watercolor.

Watercolor of Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye
Mohicans/Reenacting

Susan & Wes Studi


Eric & Susan

I have been a camp follower of The Last of the Mohicans since the first bulldozer started clearing the land for the fort! At Mohican Gatherings, I have met Wes Studi, who played Magua and who is also well-known for his work in Geronimo andDances With Wolves. I also met Eric Schweig, actor and artist, who played Uncas in the film which was made ten years ago. I've never stopped enjoying playing "dressup" and you see me here in 18th century costume. Comes in handy when you want to add a bit of spice to your history classes!



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UPDATED: 12/27/04