Gillespie Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gillespie Gap |
|
|---|---|
NC 226/NC 226A intersect at Gillespie Gap
|
|
| Elevation | 2,805 ft (855 m) |
| Traversed by |   NC 226 / NC 226ABlue Ridge Parkway |
| Location | North Carolina United States |
| Range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Coordinates | 35°51′09″N 82°03′03″W / 35.8526233°N 82.0509476°W |
| Topo map | USGS Little Switzerland |
 Location in North Carolina
|
|
Gillespie Gap is a special place in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a mountain pass, which is like a low spot or a natural path between mountains. This gap is also known as Etchoe Pass. It sits at an elevation of 2,805 ft (855 m).
This area is important for its history and for the roads that pass through it. It connects the towns of Marion and Spruce Pine. You can find it right on the border between McDowell and Mitchell counties in North Carolina.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Gillespie Gap has seen some exciting historical moments. It was a key location during the early days of the United States.
Early Skirmishes
In 1761, a small battle took place here. About thirty men, led by a soldier named Francis Marion, were sent to the pass. They encountered Cherokee warriors. During this fight, Marion's group faced a tough challenge.
The Overmountain Men's Journey
A very famous event happened in 1780. This was during the American Revolutionary War. A group of brave frontiersmen, known as the Overmountain Men, crossed Gillespie Gap. They were on their way to a very important battle. This battle was called the Battle of Kings Mountain. Their journey through the gap was a big step in their fight for freedom.
Traveling Through the Gap
Today, Gillespie Gap is a place where several important roads meet. It's also known for its beautiful scenery.
Roads and Scenic Views
NC 226 goes right through Gillespie Gap. This highway helps people travel between Marion and Spruce Pine. Another road, NC 226A, also meets here. It leads to the nearby town of Little Switzerland.
The famous Blue Ridge Parkway also passes through Gillespie Gap. This parkway is known for its amazing views. It offers stunning sights of the mountains and valleys around the gap.
Natural Features
Gillespie Gap is also located along the Eastern Continental Divide. This is a special line where rainwater either flows east towards the Atlantic Ocean or west towards the Gulf of Mexico. It's a natural boundary that helps define the flow of water across the continent.
