Near Middlesboro in Bell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
An Object Lesson Road
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
The trail ahead follows the 1907 roadbed of an Object Lesson Road. Early in the 20th century, most rural roads, especially here in the Appalachians, were little better than in the days of Daniel Boone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture sponsored the building of short segments of smooth, crushed-rock roads graded for good drainage in key, high-visibility spots around the nation. The object of the lesson was to convince voters of the convenience and value of building better roads with up-to-date techniques.
(Caption:)
This model road was paid for by subscriptions. All the names of the contributors from Middlesboro, Bell County (Kentucky), Lee County (Virginia), and Claiborne County (Tennessee) were published in the Middlesboro News—along with they amount they gave—after the roadwork was completed. One man gave $100. Some people subscribed for as little as $1.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 36° 36.347′ N, 83° 40.559′ W. Marker is near Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Bell County. Marker can be reached from Sugar Run Overlook Road (Kentucky Route 988). Marker is a wayside exhibit on the Object Lesson Road, a trail that is most readily accessible from the Thomas Walker Parking Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middlesboro KY 40965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indian Rock (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leave Nothing Useful Behind (approx. 0.2 miles away); Daniel Boone Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Daniel Boone's Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Daniel Boone's Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Daniel Boone's Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away in Tennessee); Two Armies, One Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named An Object Lesson Road (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middlesboro.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2022. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2022. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2022. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.