History:

Cumberland Gap is a natural passage through the Cumberland Mountains near the point where Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee meet. It was explored and named by Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone blazed the Wilderness Road through the Gap into Kentucky. During the Civil War it was considered a strategic location held, at times, by both Confederate and Union forces. Although, there were many skirmishes and the Gap changed hands four times during the war, no major battles actually took place here.

Dr. Thomas Walker first called this “Cave Gap” he later called it Cumberland Gap. He named it after William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland. William Augustus was a soldier in command in 1745 in Flanders. In the last battle fought he defeated with great slaughter the Highland forces refusing quarters to the wounded and prisoners. Some whose sympathies were with the Highlanders were disappointed that the beautiful mountains of the Appalachians, this Gap, and a most scenic river, should carry his name. It is claimed that many in the early days endeavored to change it to Ouasioto-its Indian name rather than give honor to the Duke of Cumberland. 

Cumberland Gap became a postal town in 1803, but it wasn’t until April 1, 1907 that it was actually incorporated and became a town. Cumberland Gap has the only post office that has been in three states. In October of 1885 it was changed back to Claiborne County, Tennessee where it remains today.

No matter how hot the day, the visitor in the mountains near the Gap, will find that as soon as the sun has fallen out of sight behind a mountain, always comes over everything a coolness and refreshness which gives sound sleep and a new vigor and makes the region a delightful and happy vacation retreat. 

Cumberland Gap of today reached by good roads eclipses the Cumberland Gap of yesterday, the same as the Cumberland Gap of tomorrow will eclipse the Cumberland Gap of today, not only in its rare beauty and historic interest, but in that whereas in the past it served thousands, in the future it is to serve many millions of recreation seekers.