Spring Gap Mountain facts for kids

Spring Gap Mountain is a mountain in West Virginia, in the United States. It runs through Morgan and Hampshire counties. This mountain is part of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.

The mountain gets its name from a place called "Spring Gap." This gap is where a small stream, called Dug Hill Run, begins. Dug Hill Run then flows into the Little Cacapon River. Spring Gap Mountain reaches its highest point, about 2,237 feet (682 meters) tall, north of this "Spring Gap."

About Spring Gap Mountain

Spring Gap Mountain is a long, narrow mountain. It is often called a mountain ridge. Its southern part starts near Slanesville. Here, it sits between two other places: Noland Ridge and Sideling Hill.

As the mountain continues north from Spring Gap, it reaches its tallest point. The Little Cacapon River flows along the western side of the mountain. The northern end of Spring Gap Mountain is located near Paw Paw.

Where is Spring Gap Mountain?

This mountain is found in the eastern part of West Virginia. It stretches across two counties: Hampshire and Morgan. Its location makes it a notable feature in the landscape of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.

A Bit of History

Spring Gap Mountain played a small but interesting role during the French and Indian War. This war happened between 1754 and 1763. A British general named Edward Braddock marched his soldiers across this mountain.

General Braddock and his men were traveling from Winchester, Virginia, to Cumberland, Maryland. They chose to camp on Spring Gap Mountain. They picked this spot because the "Spring Gap" had plenty of fresh drinking water.

After resting, Braddock's troops moved downhill from the mountain. They followed the Little Cacapon River. This path led them to Fort Cox, which was located on the Potomac River.