Cumberland Gap is a natural pass through the
Appalachian Mountains at the meeting point of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Through the gap poured pioneer settlers destined for the frontiers of America. Between 1775 and 1880, about 200,000 persons passed through the gap.
The gap is about 1600 feet above sea level, cutting through the 2000 to 3000 foot Cumberland Mountains. Thomas Walker's exploring party used the gap in 1750 and in 1775 Daniel Boone blazed his "Wilderness Trail" through the pass. Union armies used Cumberland Gap when invading Tennessee in 1862 and 1863.
