Afton in Nelson County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Rockfish Gap

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2014

1. Rockfish Gap Marker

Inscription. Low passway across Blue Ridge, elev. 1909. Served the buffalo, Indian, and covered wagon. Thomas Jefferson came via stage coach in 1818 to Rockfish Tavern. He presided over a prominent group who resolved to locate the University of Virginia "in the salubrious climate of Charlottesville." In 1858, after eight years of ordeal, Claudius Crozet completed a railway tunnel beneath the gap, in use for 84 years.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 38° 1.821′ N, 78° 51.466′ W. Marker is in Afton, Virginia, in Nelson County. Marker is at the intersection of Blue Ridge Parkway and Howardsville Turnpike, on the right when traveling south on Blue Ridge Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Afton VA 22920, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nelson County / Augusta County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Shenandoah National Park (about 600 feet away); Park-to-Park Beauty (about 700 feet away); Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District (approx. 0.4 miles away); Flight of Richard C. duPont (approx. 0.4 miles away); Rockfish Gap Meeting (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Laborers (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Afton.

Rockfish Gap Marker on the Blue Ridge Parkway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 15, 2016

2. Rockfish Gap Marker on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Rockfish Gap entrance to the Blue Ridge Pkwy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 1, 2014

3. Rockfish Gap entrance to the Blue Ridge Pkwy

Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 1, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 18, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on February 1, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.