Invasion through the Gap
For the North, Cumberland Gap was a natural invasion route into the South - providing access to vulnerable railroads and valuable minerals and salt works in East Tennessee and southwest Virginia.
For the South, the Gap was a gateway for an invasion of Kentucky to drive out the Federal foe.
Cumberland Gap exchanged hands four times during the Civil War
August 1861 Confederates fortify Cumberland Gap.
June 18, 1862 Union forces under General Morgan occupy the Gap.
September 17, 1862 Confederate General Stevenson forces evacuation of Union troops from the Gap as the Confederates' push into northern Kentucky's Bluegrass region begins.
September 9, 1863 Union forces under General Burnside accept surrender of General Frazer's 2,300-man Confederate garrison at the Gap.
Cumberland Gap remains in Northern hands for duration of the war.
Please do not walk on these remaining earthworks.
Marker can be reached from Pinnacle Road, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
