Historic Evolution of the Gap

Beginnings of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park fom early postcard.

US Highway 25E was an integral part of the historic Dixie Highway and became a major north-south thoroughfare.

Tourists flocked to see where Daniel Boone blazed the first major westward trail.

Early postcards and photos bear witness to the concentration of visitors staying in "motels" and exploring the newly created park.

 

Old photo of Fern Lake from the Tri-State Peak area. Tri-State Peak is now an easily accesible and popular frontcountry hike.

Fern Lake was created in the 1890's to supply the town of Middlesboro with water. The Fern Lake watershed is now part of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.