Mechanicsburg Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mechanicsburg Gap |
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Mill Creek at the eastern entrance of Mechanicsburg Gap.
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| Elevation | 876 ft (267 m) |
| Traversed by |  U.S. Route 50/ West Virginia Route 28 |
| Location | Hampshire County, West Virginia, United States |
| Range | Mill Creek Mountain Ridge and Valley Appalachians |
| Coordinates | 39°19′43″N 78°48′11″W / 39.328711°N 78.803075°W |
| Topo map | USGS Romney |
Mechanicsburg Gap, also called Mill Creek Gap, is a special opening in Mill Creek Mountain in Hampshire County, West Virginia. It's like a natural doorway that cuts through the mountain.
This gap is important because it lets a major road, the Northwestern Turnpike (U.S. Route 50 and West Virginia Route 28), and a stream called Mill Creek pass right through the mountain. The gap gets its name from the nearby community of Mechanicsburg, which is located at its western end.
What Makes Mechanicsburg Gap Special?
Mechanicsburg Gap has several interesting features you can find there today.
Historic Home and Natural Spring
Near a historic house known as The Burg, which dates back to the 1700s, you'll find the Romney Spring. This spring's water flows out of a PVC pipe at the bottom of the gap. Many people visit this spring daily to collect water from the side of U.S. Route 50.
Old Quarry and Former Restaurant
Mechanicsburg Gap is also home to an old limestone rock quarry. This quarry is now closed, but it left a very large hole in the northern side of the gap. Right next to where the quarry is, there used to be a popular restaurant called Evelyn's Restaurant. It was known for its steakhouse food and was a favorite stop for truck drivers. Today, that spot is home to a store called Good 'n Gooder, which sells many different used items.
