"This American Gibraltar"

Cumberland Gap was regarded as an exceptionally strong fortified position, which Union General George W. Morgan said was the strongest he had ever seen except Gibraltar. On June 19, 1862, after viewing the fortifications around the Gap, Morgan wrote to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton that the enemy had evacuated the position that morning and that DeCourcy's brigade had taken possession. To honor the capture, the Stars and Stripes were raised from the pinnacle of the mountain in a proud ceremony. Three months later, however, Union troops withdrew. The same qualities that made the forts around the Gap difficult to attack also made them difficult to resupply, and it proved easier for the war to go around them.

Virginia · United States