Frontiersman daniel boone was one of kentuckys most prominent explorers and many immigrants. Cumberland gap national historical park by martha evans wiley. At cumberland gap, the first great gateway to the west, follow the buffalo. Daniel boone and 35 axmen blazed a trail called the wilderness road from virginia through the cumberland gap and into central kentucky for the transylvania company. Farmers and doctors, servants and slaves filed through the gap, first in a trickle then in a flood until nearly 300,000 had crossed over into kentucky and beyond. Cumberland gap national historical park, middlesboro, kentucky. Best camping in and near cumberland gap national historical park. White men wandered the kentucky tennessee region years before boone. And it is, without a doubt, one of the most important pieces of land in american history. He also widened and improved the trail across the cumberland gap so that wagons could travel through. The first of boones many solo treks through the cumberland gap was in 1769. While assigned to defend the cumberland gap, confederate general john w.
Cumberland gap national historical park is an unusual national park. Cumberland gap mountain pass, united states britannica. In 1995 a twin bore tunnel was completed under the cumberland gap to handle the flow of traffic. The moonbow trail connects with many backpacking trails in the daniel boone national forest. In 1774, daniel boone used the gap to cross into kentucky, along with michael stoner, to warn the land surveyors of a possible attack from the shawnee indians.
Cumberland gap national historical park images of america. The gap was discovered by thomas walker in 1750, but it was daniel boone who in 1775 marked the trail the pioneers would follow as they headed west. The buffalo, the native american, the lone hunter, the pioneer. Cumberland gap national historical park, kentucky images. The first class of students were admitted beginning in april 1823. There are many photos of this gateway to american history, dating from days of old to today. Few parks in kentucky offer as many sights and activities like this one, so plan to spend a few days in the area. Text, cumberland gap timeline, location map, and ill.
Kentucky ancestors online the untraveled history of the. Cumberland gap virtual tours virtual tours history tn. Jan 16, 2020 if you love hiking and history, then kentucky is a great state for adventures. The song is typically played on banjo or fiddle, and wellknown versions of the song include instrumental versions as well as versions with lyrics. This short video about the cumberland gap, was made on location on the very trail, that was used for centuries by native americans, and hundreds of thousands of pioneers into kentucky.
Long before the arrival of europeans, the kentucky region was inhabited by indigenous agricultural and hunting peoples who left behind burial and ceremonial mounds that remain prominent features of the landscape today. Thomas walker and daniel boone blazed the wilderness road through the gap into kentucky. I have chosen this photo from our cousin neander woods book of 1905, because it is blurry and old, and shows the gap much as it was when our people passed through it. The cumberland gap and cumberland river were named by dr.
Daniel boone on pinnacle rock had a coonskin hat and old flintlock. The songs title refers to the cumberland gap, a mountain pass in the appalachian mountains at the juncture of the states of tennessee, virginia, and kentucky. Daniel boone was a leader of frontiersmen who explored the pathway. When the civil war began in 1861, many expected the cumberland gap to be the site of. Fascinating place for anyone interested in westward expansion and settlement, this is a wonderful place to visit. A place marked by the passage of time, ancient geologic forces, the migration of wildlife, and the comings and goings of diverse people.
History historic town of cumberland gap, tennessee. In the fall of 1767, boone took a short excursion through the cumberland gap to kentucky. The kentucky historical society is an agency of the kentucky tourism, arts and heritage cabinet, an affiliate of the smithsonian, has full. Kate gruener and her family are making the difficult trek from beans station, tennessee, through the cumberland gap then farther into the wilds of western kentucky. It is situated on the kentuckyvirginia boundary approximately onequarter mile north of the point where kentucky, virginia, and. In addition to its interesting geological history, the cumberland gap. Volume i founding of the cumberland settlements the first atlas 1779 1804 this is a tale told by survivors an epic related by those who explored and hacked out a way through a howling wilderness, built cabins, cleared land, planted crops, and fought for survival against european armies and five tribal nations.
Cumberland gap is an appalachian folk song that likely dates to the latter half of the 19th century and was first recorded in 1924. The county is named for the cumberland river its county seat is burkesville, kentucky. The cumberland gap is a pass through the long ridge of the cumberland mountains, within the appalachian mountains, near the junction of the u. The cumberland gap is a natural pass through cumberland mountain in bell county, kentucky, on the border of kentucky and the state of west virginia, just northeast of tennessee.
Cumberland gap national historical park, middlesboro. Cumberland gap is a prominent vshaped indentation in the cumberland mountains. They honored prince william, the duke of cumberland, the son of king george ii. Includes text, inset of daniel boone visitor information center area map, and col. The cumberland gap is a low point in the cumberland mountains near where tennessee, kentucky and virginia all meet. Cumberland gap national historical park middlesboro 2020. Since the time of daniel boone, the cumberland gap served as the primary route through the rugged cumberland mountains separating southwestern virginia from eastern kentucky.
The cumberland gap, made famous by its historic role in providing a western passage for early european pioneers, is actually a low place in. Cumberland gap national historical park, kentuckytennessee. One of three natural breaks in the rugged appalachian mountain range, it served as a gateway in prehistoric times, when native americans used it as a footpath and buffalo used it to seek. To better preserve that history, cumberland gap national historical park was authorized in 1940 and now covers more than 24,000 acres in kentucky, virginia, and tennessee. It is located near the point where kentucky, virginia, and tennessee meet between middlesboro, kentucky, and the town of cumberland gap, tennessee. Whitepages is the largest and most trusted online phone book and directory. Stand in three states at once along the tristate peak. In 1775, daniel boone led a number of settlers into kentucky to establish the town of boonesborough.
Famous in american history for its role as one key passageway through the lower central appalachians, it was an important part of the wilderness road and is now. Location of the wilderness road at cumberland gap national historic park. A version of the song appeared in the 1934 book, american ballads and folk songs, by folk song collector john lomax. Frontiersman daniel boone was one of kentucky s most.
It gets its name from being on the tripoint of the states of kentucky, tennessee, and virginia. The cumberland gap is one of many passes in the appalachian mountains but the only one in the continuous cumberland mountain ridgeline. Available also through the library of congress web site as a raster image. Up until 1810, the cumberland gap was known as the way west. Many settlers over the coming years used this trail to settle kentucky. He made this passageway accessible for the frontiers. Frontiersman daniel boone was one of kentuckys most. During the civil war it was considered a strategic location held, at times by both confederate. On march 19, 1775 boone led his party toward moccasin gap to follow the great warriors path to the cumberland gap and kentucky. Famous in american history for its role as one key passageway through the lower central appalachians, it was an. Modern day explorers and travelers stand in awe at this great break in the appalachian mountain chain, carved by wind and water. Us 58, laid down on top of the wilderness trail portion of the great warriors path from moccasin gap across powell mountain near kane gap to cumberland gap, is a major thoroughfare between the i81 corridor and the i75 corridor. Cumberland gap pass, united states tourist information. Volume i founding of the cumberland settlements the first atlas 1779 1804 this is a tale told by survivors an epic related by those who explored and hacked out a way through a howling wilderness, built cabins, cleared land, planted crops, and fought for.
Frazer, commanding, without the slightest hint of resistance to the enemy and absent a single attempt to evade the foe, surrendered his entire command of over 2,000 men to union general ambrose e. The cumberland bride by shannon mcnear is the fifth book in the daughters of the mayflower series. Cumberland gap national historical park legends of america. This view of the cumberland river valley is from the narrows overlook. Erin mahaney is a former thoughtco writer who covered history and geography. The kentucky historical society is celebrating 20 years at the thomas d. If you happen to wander through the area you absolutely must make a stop at the cumberland gap. The pass was one of the most accessible routes to the land west of the appalachian mountains. The cumberland gap, which measures 1,304 feet in altitude, is natures passage through the cumberland mountains between kentucky, tennessee and virginia. Maps and brochures cumberland gap national historical park. Thus, the people who wanted to reach kentucky and tennessee could use cumberland gap. Once established they sent an abundance of goods back homeward making the trail a vital route for commerce.
The gap was first used by the native americans as a westward gate to hunting grounds in. Including its history, the cumberland gap national historical park, the cumberland falls state resort park, due to covid19, orders may be delayed. Covering almost 32 square miles in the three states kentucky, tennessee, and virginia the cumberland gap national historical park commemorates a vital early phase in the westward movement and the indomitable courage of the first overland emigrants. If you love hiking and history, then kentucky is a great state for adventures. Through cumberland gap, a natural passage through the forbidding allegheny mountains passed the wilderness road. The focus of this project is to connect the various familys whose ancestors settled in or passed through the counties surrounding the cumberland gap. Please join if either your direct male ancestoral line paternal only the line of your last name is associated with claiborne, hancock and hawkins co. Aug 21, 2018 kentucky was granted statehood in 1792, becomingthe first u. Cumberland gap history info cumberland gap national historical park cumberland gap is a pass through the appalachian highlands near the border of virginia, kentucky and tennessee. The cumberland gap national historical park lies on the borders between kentucky, virginia, and tennessee. The cumberland gap is a vshaped passage through the appalachian mountains at the intersection of kentucky, virginia, and tennessee.
Daniel boone and the cumberland gap adventures on the american frontier raum, elizabeth on. After the passage gained a steady stream of settlers, the state of kentucky was admitted into the union. Stand in three states at once along the tristate peak trail. Map of wilderness road and area trails near cumberland gap, in color. Still, for all that the great hunter accomplished he is credited with the settling of kentucky he was a latecomer here by maybe 100 years. Includes trail map with approved trailer parking and regulations. Pets are not permitted within the mccreary county side of cumberland falls state resort park as this area is within a dedicated kentucky. Your guide to cumberland gap state park in kentucky. Civil war, union and confederate armies engaged in a yearlong. In 1775, daniel boone and a party of woodsmen were the first to mark the cumberland gap trail, as they traveled from virginia to kentucky. We use cookies on this site to enhance the visitor experience. Member of cumberland gap region tourism association tristate peak is a mountain located in the cumberland gap national historical park, near the saddle of the gap. Department of the interior, national park service, august 1987. Daniel boone is remembered here, as well the native americans who used the path through the mountains for trade and warfare, the civil war soldiers who took turns guarding.
May 20, 2014 nestled in the shadows of the cumberland mountain, lincoln memorial university shares a unique location with a world famous natural feature that serves as a boundary for tennessee, kentucky, and virginia. Cumberland gap is a natural passage through the mountains near the point where virginia, kentucky, and tennessee meet. It is famous in american colonial history for its role as a key passageway through the lower central appalachians long used by native american nations, the cumberland gap was brought to the attention of. This marker also serves as a reminder for boone trace, which traversed this section of the appalachian mountains during the epic journey of daniel boone and his group of trailblazers. Huntin for his supper, hed never fail to shoot him a squirrel or a turkey or a quail. The cumberland gap, situated in the cumberland mountains section of the appalachian mountains on the kentuckyvirginia border about a quarter of a mile from where kentucky, virginia and tennessee meet, is very important to the history of kentucky and the western united states. Vann argues that the expulsion of debris during the meteorite impact blew out part of the cumberland mountain leaving the gap in its wake. Kentucky historical society adventure through the past. Cumberland gap national historical park middlesboro. Camping near cumberland gap national historical park is easy with hipcamp, where private landowners offer oneofakind camping experiences. Ascend to cumberland gap and enter a place of exquisite beauty. It lies within cumberland gap national historical park and is located on the border of presentday kentucky and virginia, approximately 0.
The entire park, from the official map and guide, in color. A biography of a depressed area although caudill has called his book a biography of a depressed area, it is also the story of what other parts of america might have been, if we had not developed a land ethic and formulated a system atic conservation program. The bluegrass state offers many scenic hiking trails, plenty of historical sites, and even some destinations that offer both natural beauty and history. It is a thoroughly captivating story of a wilderness journey in 1794. Research, however, needs to be conducted to test vanns theory. Aided by continental shifts, a meteorite impact, and flowing water, the cumberland gap region has become a visual marvel and a timeless. Crossing the north fork of the holston river near the anderson blockhouse he followed little moccasin creek through moccasin gap. One of three natural breaks in the rugged appalachian mountain range, it served as a gateway in prehistoric times, when native americans used it as a footpath and buffalo used it to seek greener pastures. Circa 1800, some the first pioneer families of eastern kentucky came to. Located in the corner of kentucky within the cumberland gap national historical park, youll find many trails. Cumberland gap national historical park home facebook. When the civil war began in 1861, many expected the cumberland gap to be the site of a great battle because of its strategic importance. Cumberland falls is a hikers paradise with 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through the park to scenic areas.
When the trail opened in 1775 it became the route of 70,000 settlers who came to kentucky on foot or horseback before the trail was upgraded to wagon road in 1796. Burnside, including several hundred north carolina soldiers, on september 9, 1863. Aided by continental shifts, a meteorite impact, and flowing water, the cumberland gap region has become a visual marvel and a timeless asset to human and animal migration. The visitors center is in kentucky, the campground is in virginia, and gap creek and the iron furnace is in tennessee. Daniel boone and the cumberland gap adventures on the american frontier. Cumberland gap, natural pass elevation 1,640 feet 500 metres that was cut through the cumberland plateau in the eastern united states by former stream activity. Later the area became a hunting ground and battlefield for other native peoples, such as the shawnee from the north and the cherokee from the south.
Explore cumberland gap and witness natures everchanging story. It follows the pathway that daniel boone blazed in 1775 to bring the first settlers in the wilderness destined to be kentucky. Records were lost in courthouse fires on 3 jan 1865 and on 3 dec 1933. Kentucky school for the deaf an 1857 engraving of the kentucky school for the deaf centennial history 182319231907 kentucky association for the deaf the kentucky school for the deaf, located in danville, was created in 1822. The actual cumberland gap can be seen to the left in this photo, which was taken in the town of cumberland gap. The pass was discovered in 1750 by thomas walker, and the wilderness road blazed by. Kentucky was granted statehood in 1792, becomingthe first u. Best known for its pivotal role in opening up the western frontier and its association with explorers and pioneers, the legendary cumberland gap has long been celebrated in music and literature. The cumberland gap back in time general highway history. The boone trace is a tourism corridor from the cumberland gap to fort boonesborough, ky, 120 miles away. The cumberland gap is a mighty fine place, three kinds of water for to wash your face.
Pension application of charles bickley, september 8, 1836, russell county, virginia. Guide to wildflowers found in and around the campground. Cumberland county, kentucky yesterday and today unknown binding january 1, 1992 see all formats and editions hide other formats and editions history of cumberland county kentucky. Here are other interesting facts about cumberland gap.
1028 829 911 1165 1480 31 933 176 1441 771 1209 392 780 193 813 470 775 538 424 577 1311 518 798 1152 1391 692 1487 1263 1030 11 452