"The pass was long the gateway to the west, on April 13, 1750, Dr. Thomas Walker reached the gap, which he named for the Duke of Cumberland, son of George II. A few years later Daniel Boone and numberless pioneers passed through it on the way to Kentucky. In August, 1863, Cumberland Gap was captured by a Union Army under General Ambrose E. Burnside."
Photograph courtesy of Brian and Pam McKnight. (February 2004)Brian D. McKnight
Department of History and Philosophy
The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Book Review Editor, H-Appalachia
Editorial Comment: Brian and Pam McKnight have made
many contributions to The Signs of History®
project. Through their contributions,
visitors to this project learn much about the history of eastern
Kentucky, western Virginia and early America.
Return to Lee County marker listing.