Near Waynesboro in Augusta County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Rockfish Gap
Shenandoah National Park
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 16, 2024
1. Current Version of the Rockfish Gap Marker
Around 2018 or later, the marker was updated with some additional text, along with layout revisions.
Parkitecture combines native wood and stone with native styles to create visually appealing structures that fit naturally within their specific landscapes. The first Rockfish Entrance Station was wood framed with board and batten exterior walls. The roof had fire-resistant concrete shingles, developed for remote park buildings that were far from localities with fire departments.
Over the years the requirements of entrance stations and the role of their Rangers have evolved. In 2010, the classic entrance station was removed and a new building was put into service about a mile south.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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: West Trailhead (approx. 0.4 miles away); Problems & Solutions (approx. 0.4 miles away); They Died Building the Railroad (approx. half a mile away); Flight of Richard C. duPont (approx. half a mile away); Rockfish Gap Meeting (approx. half a mile away); Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District (approx. half a mile away); West Side Features Then & Now (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tiny Creatures Of The Dark (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waynesboro.
More about this marker. Photographs of the entrance to Shenandoah Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, and rangers approaching the Entrance Station appear at the top of the marker.
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 16, 2024
2. Photos on Current Marker Version
Historical views of the original Ranger Station and entrance to the park.
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 16, 2024
3. Rockfish Gap Overpass
From what is apparently a picture postcard. Showing the overpass of the Drive/Parkway across US 250.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 15, 2016
4. Early Version of the Marker
This version of the marker included similar text, but different paragraph breaks, and without the last paragraph. Note the photos were arranged differently than the current version of the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 15, 2016
5. Early Version of the Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 15, 2016
6. Marker in Shenandoah National Park
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 15, 2016
7. Rockfish Gap Marker
Photographed by Larry Gertner, June 14, 2019
8. Exiting at the Rockfish Gap Station
The southernmost exit/entry on Skyline Drive. The "modern" Ranger station is approximately 1/4 mile south of the marker location (not a mile as stated on the marker). The modern version of the station supports the entry toll collection in addition to visitor orientation. This view is looking south, as a driver would be exiting the park through Rockfish Gap. The entrance lane is to the left of view.
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 16, 2024
9. Central Median and Location of Original Ranger Station
Located in front of the marker.
Photographed by Craig Swain, September 16, 2024
10. Rockfish Gap Today
View of Rockfish Gap and the overpass of US Highway 250 today. Compare to the picture on the marker,s lower section. The shape and layout of the original overpass is preserved, but expanded. Note that the Skyline Drive / Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over Interstate 64, as it proceeds south, before reaching Highway 250, though there is no direct entry from the Interstate.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2024, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 18, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 8. submitted on January 20, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 9, 10. submitted on October 6, 2024, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
