Cumberland Gap: Appalachia's Gateway West

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  • čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
  • Cumberland Gap is Appalachia's Gateway West. In this episode I travel to the historic Cumberland Gap where Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky meet! I also explore the town of Cumberland Gap Tennessee.
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    Morning Mist by Staffan Carlen
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    #Appalachia #CumberlandGap #MountainRoots
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Komentáře • 310

  • @MountainRoots
    @MountainRoots  Před rokem +22

    Where should I explore next? Thanks for watching!

    • @Munmi4
      @Munmi4 Před rokem +3

      I would be interested to see your exploration of nearby Tazewell.

    • @hikerx9366
      @hikerx9366 Před rokem +2

      New subscriber here from Canada I love everything there is to see about Virginia. Hey do you know where the farm house and barn are they used in the Movie....THE HOMECOMING? The Earl Hamner story?

    • @buster5803
      @buster5803 Před rokem +1

      Harlan. Bloody Harlan..

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem +1

      @@buster5803 check out the episode we did just a couple of weeks ago on Harlan Kentucky 👍

    • @4evamx
      @4evamx Před rokem +2

      Good ole Pennsylvania everyone forgets that it’s way more than Pittsburg and philly

  • @williamdavis8161
    @williamdavis8161 Před rokem +56

    My great great great grandfather walked the Wilderness Road on his way to Southern Indiana in 1815. Got to admire the determination of people to better themselves back then.

    • @beavisjmg
      @beavisjmg Před rokem

      If you don’t mind me asking, what was his name?

    • @williamdavis8161
      @williamdavis8161 Před rokem

      Reuben Davis

    • @b.a.d2249
      @b.a.d2249 Před rokem

      I was born in Indiana dad was born and raised in Tennessee mom is born and raised in ky.

  • @kwnorton5834
    @kwnorton5834 Před rokem +3

    My great grand uncle Daniel Boone and his family brought branches of our family West through here. Thanks.

  • @BeachsideHank
    @BeachsideHank Před rokem +8

    Shelby Dade Foote Jr. (November 17, 1916 - June 27, 2005) was an American writer, historian and journalist.
    It looks like we have his noble successor in this channel, I see great stories and adventures ahead. ☺

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem +2

      Wow, that is VERY humbling! Thanks so much for the kind words 😊

  • @jockellis
    @jockellis Před rokem +13

    The sky view of the Cumberland Gap gave me an eerie sense of what the westward bound travelers felt as they stared at this portal to their future and left civilization behind.

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem +2

      Would've been a likely mix of terror and exhilaration!

  • @Wildirishmanbiker
    @Wildirishmanbiker Před rokem +16

    Great blast from the past, my girls and I hiked white rocks which was a marker for the early settlers. When they saw the white rock cliffs they knew they were one day away from the gap. Lived in the mountains of east KY for 30 years until relocating to Arizona. Man I miss these mountains for sure. Beautiful landscape and great people. I miss those mountains everyday!

    • @mickbowen5521
      @mickbowen5521 Před rokem +1

      The people, music and mountains get better everyday. Y'all come back now.

  • @hellbilly6532
    @hellbilly6532 Před rokem +2

    I’ve passed through many times, never had time to stop & explore. Gonna fix that summer 2023 good Lord willing

  • @kendeel7474
    @kendeel7474 Před rokem +29

    Absolutely killing it with these docu-series!🔥

  • @nickjonson6996
    @nickjonson6996 Před rokem +5

    Such beautiful country. If you take 58 east from Cumberland Gap into Virginia, it is a spectacular drive.

  • @richiehounshell446
    @richiehounshell446 Před rokem +4

    Could you do one on Neon Ky,,letcher county

  • @284Winchester
    @284Winchester Před 22 dny +1

    One of my favorite places to go. Gorgeous.

  • @RemsFamily
    @RemsFamily Před rokem +2

    I think the spot at mid-way would give me vertigo lol

  • @madamelebuff
    @madamelebuff Před rokem +5

    I drove the northern route coast to coast & back along the southern route in the US with diversions along the way. I loved & felt so at home in Kentucky, Tennessee & West Virginia. The terrain was so similar to my home here in New Zealand & the people were wonderful. It's such a beautiful part of your country. Thank you for the uploads & good luck with your channel.

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem +2

      Thank you so much! I've actually heard that a lot about our area- in fact we had some New Zealand friends stay at our farm many years ago and they said the same thing as you 😊

    • @madamelebuff
      @madamelebuff Před rokem +1

      @@MountainRoots You are very welcome, I bet they loved it. I have beautiful memories of staying with a friend on a houseboat in Tennessee, camping in the Smokey Mountains with bears wandering around the tent & playing a throwing horseshoes game at a home in Appalachia, all 35yrs ago. I made friends everywhere I went & the people were all wonderful & unforgettable characters. Thank you. Looking forward to your uploads!

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem +2

      @@madamelebuff "wonderful and unforgettable characters"... I couldn't have said it any better myself!

  • @billcarr4313
    @billcarr4313 Před rokem +7

    My family is from Corbin, KY, my grand parents moved away before my time but I heard stories she would tell...I would love to see a video about the town and the way it was back then

  • @johnathanlewis2049
    @johnathanlewis2049 Před rokem +7

    My great grandfather Matthias Brandenburg emigrated from Berlin Germany to the US in the 1760’s. He came through Cumberland Gsp with Daniel Boone.
    Matthias Brandenburg is now buried at Heidelberg Kentucky.
    If you look at the picture of Boone coming through the gap he’s the man next to Boone.
    The effects of The Civil War are still felt to this day especially along the Kentucky Virginia border.

  • @valorieramsey3863
    @valorieramsey3863 Před rokem +6

    I got married in 2014 at the little white Cumberland Gap wedding chapel on a beautiful, rainy spring afternoon. I grew up in Tazewell and visiting the Gap was always and is still so special. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

  • @Lovesinx
    @Lovesinx Před 6 měsíci +1

    I grew up in middlesboro and pineville but moved to Oregon. There’s no nostalgia like moving away and thinking about driving down a Tennessee backroad. Imma move back

  • @allanpedersen2379
    @allanpedersen2379 Před rokem +2

    I love watching these docu. Series on the small towns in usa thank you so much from Denmark in Europe

  • @markmoser7914
    @markmoser7914 Před rokem +3

    The New River is interesting, maybe a short series on that. The headwaters are in Blowing Rock, NC.

    • @davidpowell3347
      @davidpowell3347 Před 6 měsíci

      There seems to have been something in a textbook that Robert E. Lee had in earlier days that indicates that Kanawha takes precedence over "new" spelled different "Kanhawey"? "Wood's river another name for the same stream?

  • @demoisellesdoggroomingparl76

    This is how history should be told! From the way you narrate to the visuals, it just makes you want to keep going and learning more. Like I’m not ready for the end of the video! It just makes you want more. I love these videos you’re making! I would love to see you travel all over and do these kinds of videos throughout the country. But I love this area, so don’t go too fast haha!

  • @neothegreat2967
    @neothegreat2967 Před 5 měsíci +1

    The Hensley settlement in Cumberland gap my family settlement was one of the largest settlements in the gap

  • @IamValentina66
    @IamValentina66 Před rokem +1

    Everywhere you can!

  • @FriedShrimpPoBoy
    @FriedShrimpPoBoy Před rokem +5

    I just found your videos. I live in Louisiana but drive tanker trucks pulling loads out of Eastman chemical in Kingsport. I’ve fallen in love with these mountains and East Tennessee the last year and a half. So much so I’m thinking more and more about relocating here.

  • @mickbowen5521
    @mickbowen5521 Před rokem +3

    Well done. I enjoy the cinematography and as an Irishman... I can hear stories all day long.
    One thought might be The Clinch River. Everything from freight to stories from the War are involved with that crazy beautiful river.
    Thanks for bringing our piece of the world to light.

  • @sandydeel400
    @sandydeel400 Před rokem +8

    Wow! Beyond words. I loved how you captured such beautiful landscapes and scenery. This is one quality video. I love your narration too. Awesome history. Keep sharing.

  • @alysondiaz7495
    @alysondiaz7495 Před rokem +9

    Omg this one is your BEST one yet!!!! I loved it!!! The visuals you captured🤯😍

  • @michaelaonion5084
    @michaelaonion5084 Před rokem +5

    Before the oldtimers are all gone and dead. I'd like to see a video made on Conneaut Ohio right on Lake Erie in the Pennsylvania state line. I was born there in 1940 January 17th the town history major railroad the nickel plate. The New York Central run east and west and the best part is that run north and south bring coal from Pennsylvania to the docks at Conneaut Harbor. They're being shipped to the power companies and the steel companies along the Great Lakes. It was called the Pittsburgh dock company. It was the fastest time loading dock on the Great Lakes. It had a fishing fleet owned by several different people that Italians the hungarians and swedes. I grew up as a kid working around the fish race living on the beach women boating and fishing was a beautiful town to be raised in when I was a kid. Most of the industry has left and it's more like a retirement area. Sincerely Mike onion

  • @echuck66
    @echuck66 Před rokem +1

    The Breaks, The Cascades… a lot to see in the region! Oh, and Mt Rogers, for certain!

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem

      Be sure to check out my Pikeville KY episode, I got to visit the Breaks in that episode 👍

  • @carolynmckinney3621
    @carolynmckinney3621 Před rokem +1

    I miss my family insomuch
    West Virginia

  • @scottthomas6202
    @scottthomas6202 Před rokem +1

    I we t through that tunnel right after it first opened... there's a commemorative quarter featuring the Cumberland Gap....

  • @ProjectEric2024
    @ProjectEric2024 Před rokem +1

    When I was a Drill Sergeant in the Army (2007-2010) and stationed at Fort Jackson, my company commander owned the Old Mill Bed and Breakfast and my wife and I stayed up there for our anniversary one year. We met Robert D. Raiford who was a regular on the syndicated John Boy and Billy radio show. Nice, quiet town.

  • @chadcupp8273
    @chadcupp8273 Před 3 měsíci +1

    I happen to come across your videos today I live in harrogate tn tazewell more specifically hiked those mountains my whole life it’s nice seeing people enjoying our home views and telling our history my dad worked in the tunnel when it was being built

  • @garydeckant7554
    @garydeckant7554 Před rokem +3

    I enjoyed your video. I stopped at the Cumberland Gap in August 2017 on my way back home to Ohio. I was traveling from the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, where I witnessed the total solar eclipse in Andrews NC. I traveled through the rugged Appalachian mountains in both directions. Awesome scenery. Unforgettable.

    • @jeffharper7579
      @jeffharper7579 Před rokem

      I am from Ohio. Started vacationing in the smokes in2006. My wife at the time and I decided to move down here in2012 , I am at the east side of them. The people here are just like when I was younger, friendly, helpful and most are layed back. I love it here and the weather is great for the most part. I like going to Cumberland Gap,it's peaceful, beautiful view and only a hour from where I live,plus not as crowded as the smokes.

  • @Viccus476
    @Viccus476 Před rokem +6

    I am really enjoying these videos. I love the history lessons and architecture of each town that deserves to be shared. Thank you.
    I think to preserve these towns the people there need hope and vision. Living in the city I get many ideas for economic growth watching these videos. I’m sure others will too.
    Thank you

  • @claytonandsheilacampbell2358

    My mom's family is from Keokee, Virginia. Bigstone Gap, Pennington Gap, and old stone face. .memories of a childhood in the 60's.

  • @onedribble
    @onedribble Před rokem +1

    Go to Middlesboro Ky and find out the history of that small towm

  • @dralbertpakin8895
    @dralbertpakin8895 Před rokem +1

    I Would love to live some place like this with mountains surrounding me.

  • @jamestate5059
    @jamestate5059 Před rokem +1

    Norton , Va and visit with the good ole boys at Home Hardware

  • @ttocselbag5054
    @ttocselbag5054 Před rokem +1

    Just stumbled upon this post. This is where I struggle brother; the desire to preserve the simplicity of the past , with the unstoppable progression of the future is difficult to manage in your heat! 🙏 ❤️

  • @TBoss3313
    @TBoss3313 Před rokem +3

    I thought we were just getting started and it was finished! Don’t know if that is good or bad? For someone like me who lives in California hasn’t gotten far and always had a fascination with that are, you could just record like you did every little thing in all those states back yonder. I would love it! But I am only one person so I’ll watch whatever you post.

  • @kimma0612
    @kimma0612 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I was very blessed to be born and raised here in this beautiful area 💕 (..... and great job on your little documentary!)

  • @alvankarpas6245
    @alvankarpas6245 Před rokem +2

    Great stuff brother. Writing from Bristol. Something NOBODY has done is making out the high points and, or retracing the ride. If you do so, the wife and I will treat you to dinner at the Burger Bar, the last place Hank was vertical. Keep up the great work.

  • @cowichecanyonranch
    @cowichecanyonranch Před rokem +1

    Small mountains!

  • @suzybailey-koubti8342
    @suzybailey-koubti8342 Před rokem +2

    Thank you so much for this video! ❤️

  • @gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125

    Iam heading to the gap after watching your video.thanks for posting

  • @irksome100
    @irksome100 Před rokem +1

    I wouldn't even know what area to visit next, the Appalachia Mountains contain so many treasures. Just point the hood of your car in a direction and go. Thanks, for taking us along on your journey.

  • @rashtra8253
    @rashtra8253 Před rokem +2

    Appalachian small towns are really beautiful do more of these small town series

  • @davidcurtis8682
    @davidcurtis8682 Před rokem +2

    The only bicycle museum in Tennessee is in Cumberland Gap. Something to see !.

  • @keithbrianwilliams8039
    @keithbrianwilliams8039 Před rokem +2

    That was neat and sounds like a vacation spot, I love the history of the railroads-coal mines.

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem +1

      It's a GREAT area to visit & stay a while!

    • @keithbrianwilliams8039
      @keithbrianwilliams8039 Před rokem

      @@MountainRoots Sounds groovy and I'll place it on my to do list as well as Harper's Ferry.

  • @AbsyntheAndTears
    @AbsyntheAndTears Před rokem +5

    I feel all swelled up with pride that my ancestors were of these pioneers. I want to go out there one day and take my children to see this beautiful place. Edit: have you heard of or seen the moon bow at Cumberland Falls? I have heard it is quite amazing.

  • @Dayist1966
    @Dayist1966 Před rokem +1

    I love information about these towns in Appalachia. I have family in Mountain City Tn. Like to see something on that area.

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před rokem

      Check out my Copperhead Road episode, I cover Mountain City a touch in that one!

  • @lanacampbell-moore6686
    @lanacampbell-moore6686 Před rokem +1

    Thanks M.R.🖤

  • @cooltuber1404
    @cooltuber1404 Před rokem +2

    Started watching some of your videos and have enjoyed them but this one I especially like with the included music ! Very nicely done. Thank you. 👍😊

  • @edwardmorgan9411
    @edwardmorgan9411 Před rokem +1

    Awesome

  • @BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999
    @BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999 Před rokem +2

    You are doing a beautiful job with these videos! 😊

  • @birdlover6842
    @birdlover6842 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful scenery!

  • @NateJD3032
    @NateJD3032 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Great video!

  • @dredscott7740
    @dredscott7740 Před rokem +1

    They need that iron and steel industry back. And make high quality uniquely pattern steels.

  • @cowichecanyonranch
    @cowichecanyonranch Před rokem +1

    Love the history

  • @houstontxdave6876
    @houstontxdave6876 Před rokem +1

    Enjoyed this episode.

  • @jrlsports9490
    @jrlsports9490 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Visit Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park then drive over Parson's Branch Road (gravel), hike to Gregory Bald, then on to Deal's Gap/Fontana Dam/Tapoco to see early hydroelectric dams that provided power for the mountain region. Then to Bryson City, NC and the Tunnel to Nowhere.

    • @MountainRoots
      @MountainRoots  Před 7 měsíci

      I LOVE that area!..especially the old growth Joyce Kilmer Forest!!

  • @DaveGSound
    @DaveGSound Před rokem +1

    Well done!

  • @madcappap8711
    @madcappap8711 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Great video, Wow!! Lincoln Memorial University, near Cumberland Gap, has a story to tell. Several Civil War artifacts are still being found at LMU. The English came to this area around 1880, built an elaborate Four Seasons Hotel and Sanitorium, mined iron ore and coal, developed American Association. Harrogate was named after Harrogate England. There's too much to write here. They left around 1890 because of financial problems. Abraham Lincoln had told General O.O. Howard to come to this area and do something for the people here because of their loyalty to the Union. He, along with a minister (A.A. Myers) bought the vacated property and started LMU. This is only a short part of the history here. Think it would make a great video. ......Pap

  • @vernedudeman
    @vernedudeman Před rokem +1

    Very good at what you do sir. Thank you.

  • @alexd9028
    @alexd9028 Před rokem +1

    Love the series man!! Amazing history and beautiful filming

  • @georgeg.7124
    @georgeg.7124 Před rokem +1

    Great video.

  • @jlnajar8185
    @jlnajar8185 Před rokem +4

    Each series has been wonderful as Appalachia has so much to offer! I loved everything about this video (ditto on other positive comments) You're becoming a pro, Josh!

  • @leedee4968
    @leedee4968 Před rokem +1

    Great video

  • @donhinchey9148
    @donhinchey9148 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful countryside , Thanks for taking us along

  • @nathanadams8207
    @nathanadams8207 Před rokem +1

    I enjoy your videos Brother. I grew up in Kentucky. Thinking about moving back when I retire. Had to move when I was young for work. Can't find better people than Kentucky.

  • @ldh10647
    @ldh10647 Před rokem +1

    Hensley settlement , the near the Cumberland gap.

  • @robertcaldwell7918
    @robertcaldwell7918 Před 7 měsíci

    Mill Springs would be an amazing reveal if you have everything needed to bring back the memory or thought the CIVIL WAR battle

  • @ThePapawhisky
    @ThePapawhisky Před rokem +1

    Very well done. As an old time fiddler I would have loved to hear the soundtrack break into the old classic .’Cumberland Gap’.

  • @ncavlleguy
    @ncavlleguy Před rokem +1

    SUPER GREAT VIDEO
    THANKS FOR SHARING THIS
    WELL DONE !!!!!

  • @Mbuzisana
    @Mbuzisana Před rokem +1

    Love your vlogs... it's over 35 years now since I drove through the mountain country.

  • @thomasdelegram1916
    @thomasdelegram1916 Před rokem +1

    Thanks again, great videos, very professional & enjoyable. Keep up the good work !

  • @joseherran9503
    @joseherran9503 Před 7 dny

    Pine mtn state park,ky also the canoe and kayak Rentals on the powell river just down 25e from Harogate

  • @patrickbreiding310
    @patrickbreiding310 Před rokem +2

    Longer vids please. I wanna deep dive

  • @billie-leelawhon3941
    @billie-leelawhon3941 Před rokem +2

    Wonderful video. We enjoy all you do. That is one place we didn't go. Absolutely Beautiful! Where ever you go and film we will watch! God bless you and your family 🙏❤

  • @albertleffler962
    @albertleffler962 Před rokem +1

    Needed to see this. Thanks!

  • @carlc5748
    @carlc5748 Před rokem +3

    I really enjoyed this, had to subscribe! I think that you put forth a wonderful presentation, pictorially, musically, along with your narration. I have never been to that part of the country, but have always been interested in the history of it, thanks MAN!!!

  • @DrJohn493
    @DrJohn493 Před rokem +2

    Visited Cumberland Gap in 2006 and this video brings back some fond memories of hiking in the area and taking in the history. Also had some fine meals in a place called Webb's in the town of Cumberland Gap, which if I recall correctly, was next door to the Whistle Stop Antique Shop at that time.

  • @HomesteadFresh
    @HomesteadFresh Před rokem +3

    Loving these videos - thr gap is a very familiar sight to me and all your videos in this series has brought back so many memories for me. I'm loving learning things I've never heard before... great stories and history for sure.
    Great video as always 😀

  • @Michelle-tv7tr
    @Michelle-tv7tr Před rokem +2

    Hi there! Enjoyed this video! I’ve been through the Cumberland Gap many times but never over to the town. My mom was born and raised in Wise, VA and her parents were from Corbin, KY. They moved to Wise to work in the mines in of course. Wise/Norton is a beautiful area you should explore. My mom growing up in the Glamorgan area of Wise which is where the entrance to the mine is. She often went to High Knob and Powell Valley in Norton. Beautiful areas for you to visit.

  • @zachb8012
    @zachb8012 Před rokem +1

    Sounds kinda silly but music really sparked my interest in Appalachia and the song Cumberland Gap made me determined to visit this historic place. We're coming in the Fall and I can hardly wait. I am from the mountains of the West, which are a far cry from the much older biological and cultural diversity of the mountains of the South. I'm sorry to say, the vistas might be more awe inspiring here in the Rockies, but I find the Appalachians much more interesting, nuanced, and beautiful.

  • @neilwilliams2409
    @neilwilliams2409 Před rokem +1

    Very interesting and informative.
    From across the miles 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

  • @waynecheeks7969
    @waynecheeks7969 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Good job man

  • @maxfastest
    @maxfastest Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the tour !
    Very cool !

  • @ctheiler33
    @ctheiler33 Před rokem +1

    Great video. The wife and I stayed a weekend at the Olde Mill Inn B&B a few years back, while off-roading at Black Mountain Off-road Park in Harlan County KY. We absolutely loved this little town. Now, I'm on to watch your Harlan Kentucky video.

  • @danielmesery2904
    @danielmesery2904 Před rokem +1

    Some of nature's beauties.

  • @edholohan
    @edholohan Před rokem +1

    Nice! I love your channel. I just subscribed.

  • @antonleimbach648
    @antonleimbach648 Před rokem +1

    Great video. I live on the Cumberland Plateau and dig the local history.

  • @albertamaloney6580
    @albertamaloney6580 Před rokem +1

    I just adore this little town!❤

  • @robbiemartin9735
    @robbiemartin9735 Před rokem +1

    I live in Ewing Va just up the road from Cumberland gap i live 10 miles from the tunnel

  • @robertsole9970
    @robertsole9970 Před rokem +1

    Some great motorcycle roads out there

  • @kamily8288
    @kamily8288 Před 21 dnem +1

    That's where I live

  • @garysexton5977
    @garysexton5977 Před rokem +1

    Hensley Settlement, about 11 miles from Cumberland Gap.

  • @wesleymarkmusic403
    @wesleymarkmusic403 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful area. Nice video. Thanks.

  • @jeffsmith-ze6wb
    @jeffsmith-ze6wb Před rokem +1

    This is interesting!! THANKS for making an awesome video!!

  • @lmcwill0502
    @lmcwill0502 Před rokem +3

    First time watching, sparked my interest , I love traveling and history. My grandparents were born and raised in Hilham , TN situated between Livingston and Gainsboro.. I did not know them and I was raised all over as a military brat.. I have made two trips there, and always feel as if I am missing something interesting in its history . It would great if you could make it to those parts of TN , with some history attached. Lots of gravesites of warriors during civil war are in that area. I subscribed, so I will keep an eye on your adventure , stories and history of different parts of our country. The history of the people of WV would be interesting as well. I have watched a CZcamsr Real Appalachia, Learning about places I may or may not have been is helpful for us travelers.