Manassas Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manassas Gap |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 887 ft (270 m) |
| Traversed by |  Interstate 66 Virginia State Highway 55 |
| Location | Fauquier / Warren counties, Virginia, United States |
| Range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Coordinates | 38°54′32″N 78°04′32″W / 38.90889°N 78.07556°W |
Manassas Gap is a special low area in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It is located on the border between Fauquier County and Warren County. This natural opening is the lowest point to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It sits 887 feet above sea level.
What is Manassas Gap?
Manassas Gap is a type of landform called a wind gap. A wind gap is a dry valley or pass that was once carved by a river. Over a very long time, the river changed its path. This left behind a low, empty space in the mountains. Manassas Gap is a perfect example of this natural process.
A Path for Travel
For many years, Manassas Gap has been an important route for travel. In 1854, the Manassas Gap Railroad was finished. This railroad made it easier to move goods and people through the mountains. Today, these same tracks are part of the Norfolk Southern rail system.
Modern roads also use this natural pathway. Virginia State Route 55 and Interstate 66 both pass through Manassas Gap. The famous north-south Appalachian Trail, a long hiking path, also crosses through this gap. This shows how important the gap is for all kinds of travel.
Naming Cities
The railroad that went through Manassas Gap was very important to the area. In fact, two independent cities in Virginia got their names from this railroad. These cities are Manassas and Manassas Park. Their names remind us of the historic connection to the Manassas Gap Railroad.
