Sterling in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Vestal's Gap Road

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 30, 2020

1. Vestal's Gap Road Marker

Inscription. Extending from Alexandria to Vestal's Ferry near Charles Town, West Virginia, this colonial highway was a principal route from the Northern Neck of Virginia through the Blue Ridge to the Ohio Country. In the early 1770's, the road became the major artery in the movement of settlers and armies to the frontiers. Vetal's Gap Road fell into disuse after Leesburg Pike opened to the north about 1825.

Erected 1996 by Loudoun Restoration and Preservation Society and the Friends of Claude Moore Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 39° 1.078′ N, 77° 24.238′ W. Marker is in Sterling, Virginia, in Loudoun County. It is at the intersection of Old Vestals Gap Road and Heritage Farm Lane, on the right when traveling east on Old Vestals Gap Road. The marker is located on a walking trail in the Claude Moore Park, of the Loudoun County Parks System. From VA 7, go South on Cascades Parkway, CR 637. Turn left onto Old Vestal's Gap Road, the park entrance. The trail follows the trace of Old Vestal's Gap Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sterling VA 20164, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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 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

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: Lanesville Historic Area (a few steps from this marker); Lanesville Architecture (a few steps from this marker); Lanesville House and Vestal's Gap Road (a few steps from this marker); The Braddock Campaign (a few steps from this marker); Lanesville Outbuildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Lanesville Families (within shouting distance of this marker); Vestal's Gap Road in the 1800s (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guilford Signal Station (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sterling.

More about this marker. This marker is duplicated on the other end of the Vestal's Gap Road trace.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Markers related to Vestal's Gap Road.

Also see . . .
1. Claude Moore Park. The Lanesville Heritage Area. The park site discusses the history of the road. (Submitted on June 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Vestal's Gap Road: A Historical Perspective. (Submitted on June 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, June 14, 2009

2. Vestal's Gap Road Marker

The stone is placed at the end of the service road portion of the trace. Beyond this point the trace is open only to foot traffic.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, February 28, 2010

3. Vestal's Gap Road Marker

at the corner of Vestal's Gap Road and Heritage Farm Lane.

The Graveled Section of Old Vestal's Gap Road image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, June 14, 2009

4. The Graveled Section of Old Vestal's Gap Road

This portion is still used as a service road, and part of the trail system in the park.

Eastern End of the Road Trace image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, June 14, 2009

5. Eastern End of the Road Trace

Beyond the marker stone, the road trace is a foot path, connecting to the park trail system.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,001 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 30, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on June 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 28, 2012, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on June 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.