Near Norton in Wise County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Benge’s Gap
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 29, 2011
1. Benge’s Gap Marker
Inscription.
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.
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.
Erected 1999 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number X-22.)
near Norton, Virginia, in Wise County. Marker is on Orby Cantrell Hwy (US 58 Alt) (U.S. 23), on the right when traveling north. It is at the James Walker Robinson Memorial Scenic Overlook on the northbound lanes just south of Norton. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norton VA 24273, United States of America. Touch for directions.
View from the overlook at Benge’s Gap just before 9 p.m.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,926 times since then and 188 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
