Gate City in Scott County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Moccasin Gap

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2019

1. Moccasin Gap Marker

Inscription. Moccasin Gap in Clinch Mountain links the valleys of the Holston and Clinch Rivers. Through here passed the main trail between Cherokee territory to the south and Shawnee lands in present-day Ohio. Hunters and explorers of European descent were using the gap by the mid-18th century. In 1775 Richard Henderson, a land speculator, hired Daniel Boone to clear a route to Kentucky. Boone and 30 men widened the existing Indian path to create the Wilderness Road, over which thousands of settlers later passed. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s and the construction of U.S. highways in the 20th century ensured that Moccasin Gap would remain a significant transportation route.

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-15.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.

Location. 36° 38.27′ N, 82° 33.721′ W. Marker is in Gate City, Virginia, in Scott County. Marker is on U.S. 23/58, 0.3 miles east of Kane Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker

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is located in a small wayside park on the north side of the highway as you approach Gate City. This is third-from-the-west of five markers at this location. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gate City VA 24251, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John P. McConnell (here, next to this marker); First Court of Scott County (a few steps from this marker); Prospect Public School (a few steps from this marker); Donelson's Indian Line (a few steps from this marker); Carter Musical Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Blackmore’s Fort (approx. 0.4 miles away); Gate City (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Donelson's Indian Line (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gate City.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Daniel Boone Trail, Gate City, Virginia

Moccasin Gap Marker<br>(<i>US Hwy 23/58 on left; 3rd from west of 5 markers at this location</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2019

2. Moccasin Gap Marker
(US Hwy 23/58 on left; 3rd from west of 5 markers at this location)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 720 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.