Mark your calendar for March 22, and join Cumberland Gap National Historical Park rangers in welcoming Randell Jones, author of "In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone: Following a Pioneer". Jones will be available at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park visitor center from 12-2 p.m. to autograph books.

No other name is associated with Cumberland Gap like Daniel Boone. From a youth, free-spirited Boone roamed the impenetrable forest around his home. As a young man, his adventures as a tracker, hunter and explorer took him into dangerous situations with the Native Americans, British soldiers and renegade outlaws. In 1769, Boone and five other men set out on a hunting expedition in the western regions of Virginia. Following the Great Warriors' Path, the group made their way through the Cumberland Gap into the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. Five years later, Boone led the first caravan of settlers into Kentucky opening the doorway to western expansion.

"In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone: Following a Pioneer", the reader can follow as Boone leads he expansion of America's Frontier.

"This book takes the reader to the places where the stories unfold and shapes the visitor's understanding of the events by adding the dimension of being there." states Jones. "Standing atop Pilot Knob, for example, from which Boone first saw the 'beautiful level of Kentucky' and gazing out across the same landform, connects the reader in a way no narrative of the tale can."

A resident of Winston-Salem, N.C., Jones is a historical reenactor and storyteller. With his extensive knowledge of early American history, he has completed a series of historical travel guides. An avid genealogist, he grew interested in history while attempting to learn his family's contributions to the development of America. In addition to his writing, he shares his love of American history by speaking in classrooms throughout North Carolina, as well as performing at the National Storytelling Festival.

Jones is the author of the Overmountain Victory Trail National History Trail Educational Program and co-author of "Dangerous Opportunity: Making Change Work" with Dr. Chris Musselwhite. He is co-editor of "Scoundrels, Rogues and Heroes of the Old North State" with Caitlin D. Jones.

This program is made possible through a generous donation from Eastern National, the park's non-profit cooperating association.

For information on this and other ranger programs, contact Cumberland Gap National Historical Park at 248-2817, extension 1075.