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 | |
September 30, 2022
1. An Object Lesson Road Marker
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 Newsalong with they amount they gaveafter 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,
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Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kentucky and in the Cumberland Plateau. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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 and also the Antebellum South.
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
September 30, 2022
2. An Object Lesson Road Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Invasion through the Gap (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Defense of the Gap (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
September 30, 2022
3. Object Lesson Road trail marker
This carved wood trail marker is about a quarter of a mile southeast of the subject marker, where the Object Lesson Road intersects with other trails.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2022. This page has been viewed 548 times since then and 46 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.
