Picture taken from Middlesborough: The first century, by Lou DeRosett
Did you know that Middlesborough England was considered the world's first Railroad town.
Historic pioneer pathway
will return to original course, and, hopefully, to original look, Sorry
link did exspire and it costs money to get archives from the Knoxville
News-Sentinel.
Here is an article that
is appearing regarding Cumberland Gap though.
CUMBERLAND
GAP CAVES BEING RESTORED (Knoxville-News Sentinel, October 24, 1999)
Cumberland Gap, Claiborne
County, was named for a passage in the Cumberland Mountains between Tennessee,
Kentucky and Virginia, discovered in 1750 by the explorer, Dr. Thomas Walker,
and named by him in honor of the Duke of Cumberland of England. It has
an altitude of 1,304 feet. The main highway that serves the "Gap" is U.
S. 25-E. The construction of a four- lane tunnel through the Cumberland
Mountain began in early 1980 and was opened in October of 1997.
It connects Kentucky and Tennessee and allow access to the remote counties
of East Tennessee with their beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers.
The Cumberland Gap Parkway
begins in Barborville, Kentucky, just off Interstate I-75 and runs to White
Pine, Tennessee where it connects ot Interstate I-81. It should be a favorite
route for those of you coming to Dollywood and the Great Smokey Mountains
for you vacations. From the Pinnacle, the lookout situated in the Cumberland
Gap National Park, one can see 5 mountain ranges that encompass three states.
The Park will be restored to its natural state and will be open to tourists.
Other interesting attractions while visiting Cumberland Gap :
The 1771 Holston Treaty prohibited settlers from entering the Cherokee lands in the Powell Valley, however, recipients of North Carolina land grants moved into the area. President Washington directed the pioneers to leavethe valley. Captain Richard Sparks and Captain John Wade read the executive order to the settlers at Yoakum Station one mile southeast in February 1797.The Treaty of Tellico (1798) resolved the controversy.
The following is from the book "Old Speedwell Families", by LARWENCE EDWARDS, who was a freshman English teacher at LMU and accomplished author from Powell Valley, Tennessee.
From: The Executive journal
of Governor JOHN SEVIER, edited by S. C. Williams, printed in East Tennessee
Historical Society Publications, pp. 159 ff., Jan. 1931
Knoxville, 7 November 1797
The People of Powell's Valley
Gentlemen:
Your letter of the 4th Instance, I am duly honored with.
Nothing ever came before me that could yield me more pleasure than it would to render you relief on the present distressed situation of you, and your families. I have done all the Assembly empowered me to do, which was to send before the President, and Congress; and it is thought by some of our members that relief will certainly be extended towards you; and I feel a strong certainty, in my own mind, that your sufferings will surely meet with a remedy. In the mean time, I know nothing better to advise you than to bear your misfortunes with patience, and fortitude, until you hear the result of Congress on the subject. It is painful to me in the extreme to hear of your hardships and sufferings, and was it in my power to render you redress, GOD knows nothing could give me more satisfaction than to do it, in the most speedy manner.
JOHN SEVIER
Knoxville, 1 February , 1798
The inhabitants of Powel's Valley
Friends and Fellow Citizens:
It is with much pleasure I announce to you I have just received the pleasing information from our members in Congress, that your grievances and sufferings will shortly be redressed. your submission to the laws and orders of the General Government has gained you great reputation, and contributes very much to your interest on the present occasion; and a continuance of a similar conduct cannot leave a shadow of doubt but you will inevitably be relieved from your distresses, which is the sincere wish of your friend.
JOHN SEVIER
Knoxville, 12 April, 1798
Friends and Fellow Citizens:
By late accounts from the delegation of this state, I have received information that the treaty (Sen. ANDREW JACKSON wrote to Gen. JAMES ROBERTSON, January 11, 1798: "Policy dictated to us that the only thing that could strike at the root of opposition, and secure a treaty with the Cherokees. Opposition is on the decline, and I have no doubt but a treaty will be ordered." President Adams appointed commissioners, but spring and summer dragged out and it was October 2, 1798, when a treaty was finally completed at Tellico Block house, signed for the United States by GEORGE WALTON and Col. THOMAS BUTLER.) as I am now informed are now in this state, coming on to this place, and I expect that the Commissioners will arrive in a day or two. By the general government there is a large sum appropriated for the purpose of extinguishing the Indian claim, and I have no doubt but that it will be effected. Thus gentlemen you see the disposition of the government is to relieve your distresses; and, as such is the case, permit me to recommend to you patience and fortitude, hoping, as I do, that a very short period will relieve your sufferings and reinstate you all at your homes and plantations. I sincerely lament your sufferings, and shall always conceive it my duty, and feel a happiness in rendering you every service in my power.
JOHN SEVIER
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Cumberland Gap, Tri-State Marker, ca. 1898
L. G. Payne - Mattie (Bob) Payne - A. Yoakum (sister to Mattie Mason Payne) - Lydia Brown - Robert W. Payne and Birdie Mae Stone
(My father's father).........................................................................(My mother's mother)
Children in background