Benge’s Gap
Beginning in 1774, Chief Benge led a part of
the Shawnee from the Ohio River on raids
along the frontier. Benge, who was part white
and part Cherokee. frequently captured slaves
and then resold them; he also seized white
women and children who were then adopted
by various Indian groups. On 6 Apr. 1794,
Benge attacked the Henry and Peter Livingston
farm on the Holston River, took several residents
prisoner, and marched them northeast. Three
days later, when they entered the Powell
Mountain gap just south, Lt. Vincent Hobbs
and eleven Lee County militiamen ambushed
them, killed Benge with the first volley, and
freed the captives.
Marker is on Orby Cantrell Hwy (US 58 Alt) (U.S. 23), on the right when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
