Sterling in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Vestal's Gap Road
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 8, 2010
1. Vestal's Gap Road Marker
Vestal's Gap Road is among the oldest remaining segments of colonial highway in America. Initially an Indian trail, it became an important route for commerce from Alexandria to Leesburg and Winchester, westward migration, and troop movements. Lt. Col. George Washington and Gen. Edward Braddock's forces traveled the road in 1755 to defeat at Fort Duquesne in the first phase of the Seven Years' War between the British and the French. The Declaration of Independence and Constitution were secretly carried to Leesburg over this road when the British burned Washington, D.C. in 1814. The Leesburg Turnpike supplanted the road in 1825.Erected 2010 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number F-37.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812 • War, French and Indian. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1755.
Location. 39° 1.228′ N,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Vestal's Gap Road (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Vestal's Gap Road (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named George Washington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Guilford Signal Station (approx. ¼ mile away); The Braddock Campaign (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Vestal's Gap Road (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lanesville Architecture (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sterling.
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 8, 2010
2. Vestal's Gap Road Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 8, 2010
3. Trace of the Old Road
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 814 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 9, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
