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 • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • 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° 33.716′ W. Marker is in Gate City, Virginia, in Scott County. It is on U.S. 23/58 0.3 miles east of Kane Street, on the right when traveling

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west. Marker 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 at or near this postal address: 3808 US-23, Gate City VA 24251, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-Cities Area

and in Southwest Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

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 (here, next to this marker); Donelson's Indian Line (a few steps from this marker); Prospect Public School (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); Faris (Ferris) Station (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gate City.

Other markers no longer nearby. Donelson's Indian Line (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Big Moccasin Gap (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named First Court of Scott County (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); McConnell's Birthplace (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker Located Nearby titled

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)

"Big Moccasin Gap".

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,882 times since then and 163 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.