Cumberland Gap: Appalachia's Gateway West

[@MountainRoots]

Where should I explore next? Thanks for watching!

[@Munmi4]

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

[@hikerx9366]

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]

Harlan. Bloody Harlan..

[@MountainRoots]

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

[@tmilliron42]

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

[@williamdavis8161]

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]

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

[@williamdavis8161]

Reuben Davis

[@b.a.d2249]

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

[@jockellis]

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]

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

[@hellbilly6532]

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

[@MountainRoots]

Definitely worth a stop!

[@BeachsideHank]

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]

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

[@kwnorton5834]

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

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

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]

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

[@XOVRU]

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

[@IamValentina66]

Everywhere you can!

[@nickjonson6996]

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

[@eugeneharrelson3933]

Forgotten history that we should not forget

[@madamelebuff]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@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!

[@MountainRoots]

I'll do my best 😉

[@jbflores01]

I agree! You’re a great storyteller!

[@billcarr4313]

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

[@arniegreenberg2719]

Thanks!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you so much, I REALLY appreciate your support!

[@lanacampbell-moore6686]

Thanks M.R.🖤

[@echuck66]

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

[@MountainRoots]

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

[@allanpedersen2379]

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

[@johnathanlewis2049]

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.

[@MountainRoots]

That's remarkable! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@scottthomas6202]

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

[@alysonrdiaz]

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

[@cowichecanyonranch]

Small mountains!

[@valorieramsey3863]

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!

[@dawnswain8927]

It was fun and informative. Can't wait to visit.

[@chadcupp8273]

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

[@sandydeel400]

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.

[@dralbertpakin8895]

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

[@neothegreat2967]

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

[@FriedShrimpPoBoy]

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.

[@Dayist1966]

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

[@MountainRoots]

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

[@garydeckant7554]

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]

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.

[@nathanadams8207]

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.

[@MountainRoots]

Salt of the earth!

[@redshorse]

A really watchable channel.

[@MountainRoots]

😁

[@gusshadleythelunaticfromar7125]

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

[@Viccus476]

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.

[@markmoser7914]

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

[@davidpowell3347]

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?

[@sharksport01]

You have a good voice. I bet you'd be a good singer.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks, much appreciated 😊

[@maxfastest]

Thanks for the tour ! Very cool !

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome!

[@rashtra8253]

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

[@kimma0612]

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

[@vernedudeman]

Very good at what you do sir. Thank you.

[@ProjectEric2024]

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.

[@onedribble]

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

[@zachb8012]

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.

[@robertsole9970]

Some great motorcycle roads out there

[@MountainRoots]

Sure are!

[@dredscott7740]

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

[@keithbrianwilliams8039]

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

[@MountainRoots]

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

[@keithbrianwilliams8039]

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

[@ncavlleguy]

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

[@davidcurtis8682]

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

[@jrlsports9490]

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]

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

[@wesleymarkmusic403]

Beautiful area. Nice video. Thanks.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching!

[@mickbowen5521]

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.

[@WillBockovenCRE]

My relative drowned in the Clinch River en route from Virginia to Kentucky 300 years ago, William Branch from the Branch family in Jamestown 1619z

[@albertamaloney6580]

I just adore this little town!❤

[@MountainRoots]

It's very nice!

[@edwardmorgan9411]

Awesome

[@madcappap8711]

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

[@cooltuber1404]

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. 👍😊

[@bobbymmcbride5305]

I would like to know more about the salt mines and softball Virginia when they fight during the Civil War there’s so much history in that part of Virginia

[@danielmesery2904]

Some of nature's beauties.

[@ldh10647]

Hensley settlement , the near the Cumberland gap.

[@RemsFamily]

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

[@dw8282]

Thanks... ur vids bring back a lot of good memories..I did mobile home factory service for 20 years. There is no hollar or town that I haven't been to..in e.ky,,va,,w.va..e.tn,,n.ga,,s.ohio,,w.nc,,and pa..

[@w.s.2102]

I love the USA ❤️🇺🇸…… signed a friendly neighbour to the North 🇨🇦

[@MountainRoots]

Howdy neighbor!

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

Thank you so much for this video! ❤️

[@patrickbreiding310]

Longer vids please. I wanna deep dive

[@mstuartjones7800]

Just saw this and I realize it's 2 years old, however you need to go to Martin's Station VA, as it will be celebrating its 250th anniversary next year in May.

[@Mbuzisana]

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

[@irksome100]

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.

[@jeffsmith-ze6wb]

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

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome!

[@donhinchey9148]

Beautiful countryside , Thanks for taking us along

[@michaelaonion5084]

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

[@billie-leelawhon3941]

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 🙏❤

[@bettybarnett6994]

Excellent information, ready to go visit!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you, certainly plan a trip either in the spring or fall especially- the colors will be breathtaking!

[@jlnajar8185]

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!

[@ThePapawhisky]

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

[@alvankarpas6245]

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.

[@pennymink5706]

The skipworth fam

[@MountainRoots]

Where's that?

[@pennymink5706]

My paw was David Harold skipworth

[@MountainRoots]

@@pennymink5706 oh, gotcha. I was confused.

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

You are doing a beautiful job with these videos! 😊

[@DrJohn493]

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.

[@robbiemartin9735]

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

[@albertleffler962]

Needed to see this. Thanks!

[@MountainRoots]

Glad you found it!

[@garysexton5977]

Hensley Settlement, about 11 miles from Cumberland Gap.

[@richiehounshell446]

Could you do one on Neon Ky,,letcher county

[@ctheiler33]

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.

[@cowichecanyonranch]

If you are ever out west I can take you out in the PNW! Incredible mountains

[@MountainRoots]

Would love that!

[@hpblack1953]

The furthest point of Southwest Virginia is further west than Detroit. You can look it up. I grew up in the New River Valley, but know SWVA well and used to work in Eastern Kentucky very often to connect these small towns to long distance services in London, KY.

[@MountainRoots]

Across the state of Virginia is quite the drive!

[@christophergordon6593]

Fantastic - very well done. Learned a lot.

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you!

[@TBoss3313]

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.

[@mustangtonto5862]

Consider doing another great video like this about the Blue Ridge Parkway. I live in N E Georgia.

[@ttocselbag5054]

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! 🙏 ❤️

[@MountainRoots]

Well put, indeed it is..

[@willbygosh4887]

Check out St. Paul Virginia in Wise County and the Lyric Theater there awaiting restoration.

[@HomesteadFresh]

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 😀

[@markperrault5678]

Blue ridge in the deepest parts

[@antonleimbach648]

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

[@AbsyntheAndTears]

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.

[@benjaminwagner8141]

Really want to go here

[@MountainRoots]

Do it!

[@423gtrman]

Excellent series. I live in Harrogate Tennessee which is right next to Cumberland Gap and Middlesboro Kentucky. I recommend that you read a book by Anne Matheny called the magic City. It is about this area mainly about Middlesboro Kentucky. You could spend an entire episode on Middlesboro. Most people around here do not realize the historic value of that little town. As a musician I admire your choice of music also. I play down in Cumberland Gap most every weekend at a place called Angelo's. Come see me sometime.....

[@MountainRoots]

Awesome, thanks for the book recommendation! I'll look you up next time I'm in town. Thx for watching!

[@LD-jg3vq]

I loved seeing this beautiful place. The filming was tremendous: the sight, the music, mood, and history!. I know these are a lot of work to produce but I would love to see longer videos. I would love to know even more about each place. Even if it were multiple videos on each location. Great work.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks so much! All great ideas 😊

[@laretdenton9768]

I love the history can you please explore Glasgow Kentucky .Thanks

[@MountainRoots]

I'll look into it, thanks! 😊

[@birdlover6842]

Beautiful scenery!