Near Middlesboro in Bell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Invasion through the Gap
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 5, 2010
1. Invasion through the Gap Marker
The marker displays portraits of Generals Morgan, Stevenson, Frazer, and Burnside in the upper right.
For the South, the Gap was a gateway for an invasion of Kentucky to drive out the Federal foe.
Cumberland Gap exchanged hands four times during the Civil War
August 1861 Confederates fortify Cumberland Gap.
June 18, 1862 Union forces under General Morgan occupy the Gap.
September 17, 1862 Confederate General Stevenson forces evacuation of Union troops from the Gap as the Confederates' push into northern Kentucky's Bluegrass region begins.
September 9, 1863 Union forces under General Burnside accept surrender of General Frazer's 2,300-man Confederate garrison at the Gap.
Cumberland Gap remains in Northern hands for duration of the war.
Please do not walk on these remaining earthworks.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1841.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 36° 36.495′ N, 83° 40.464′
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Eastern Kentucky and in the Cumberland Plateau. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Two Armies, One Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Forts and Batteries, North and South (within shouting distance of this marker); A Masterful Retreat (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cumberland Gap / Grant Visits Cumberland Gap (approx. 0.2 miles away); An Object Lesson Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named An Object Lesson Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Dirt-and-Log Forts (approx. 0.2 miles away); Two-Way Traffic (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middlesboro.
Other markers no longer nearby. Defense of the Gap (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Dirt-and-Log Forts (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
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Photographed by Craig Swain, September 5, 2010
2. Map of Kentucky and Tennessee
This Civil War-era map shows the strategic position of Cumberland Gap. Note circle indicating the location of the Gap on the right side of the map.
Also see . . . Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. (Submitted on September 14, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 5, 2010
3. Invasion through the Gap Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 5, 2010
4. West Side of Cumberland Gap
Looking west from Fort McCook. The divided highway in the valley is US Highway 25E, passing through the Gap (just before entering a tunnel), near the park visitor center. To the left is Fern Lake.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,387 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on October 13, 2022. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 14, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
