Near Middlesboro in Bell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

"This American Gibraltar"

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

1. "This American Gibraltar" Marker

Inscription. "Cumberland Gap is the strongest position I have ever seen except Gibraltar." These were Union General George W. Morgan's words after viewing the fortification around the Gap.

On June 19, 1862, he wrote to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, "The enemy evacuated this American Gibraltar this morning... and DeCourcy's brigade took possession...."

In honor of the capture, the Stars and Stripes were raised from the pinnacle of this mountain in proud ceremony. Three months later it was the Union troops who withdrew.

What made the forts around the Gap so difficult to attack also made them difficult to resupply. It was easier for the war to just go around them.

Please do not walk on these remaining earthworks.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 19, 1862.

Location. 36° 36.35′ N, 83° 39.959′ W. Marker is near Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Bell County. Marker can be reached from Pinnacle Road, on the right when traveling east. Located near a foot path from the Pinnacle Overlook parking area to the Fort Lyon site in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middlesboro KY 40965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Top Guns (a few steps from this marker); Pinnacle Overlook (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gateway to Kaintuck (about 300 feet away); Generations Have Enjoyed this View (about 400 feet away in Virginia); a different marker also named Gateway to Kaintuck (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Pinnacle Overlook (about 400 feet away); Boundaries Settled (about 600 feet away in Virginia); Gap Cave (approx. 0.2 miles away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middlesboro.

More about this marker. This marker was previously located at 36° 36.343′ N, 83° 39.962′ W.

Also see . . . Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. (Submitted on September 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

September 30, 2022

2. "This American Gibraltar" Marker

Plan of Fort Lyon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

3. Plan of Fort Lyon

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

4. "This American Gibraltar" Marker

September 30, 2022

5. "This American Gibraltar" Marker

Marker has been relocated from the current site of the Top Guns marker to the former site of the removed Waiting for the Battle that Never Came marker.

Exterior of Fort Lyon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

6. Exterior of Fort Lyon

The steep slopes in the gap enhanced the works built by the soldiers.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,471 times since then and 37 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2022. Photos: 1. submitted on September 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 12, 2022. 3, 4. submitted on September 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on October 12, 2022. 6. submitted on September 15, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.