Thoroughfare Gap (Bull Run Mountain) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thoroughfare Gap |
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 Location in Virginia
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| Elevation | 423 ft (129 m) |
| Traversed by |  Virginia Route 55 Interstate 66 |
| Location | Fauquier / Prince William counties, Virginia, United States |
| Range | Bull Run Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Coordinates | 38°49′28″N 77°42′57″W / 38.824559°N 77.7158261°W |
Thoroughfare Gap is a special opening in the Bull Run Mountains in Virginia. It's called a "water gap" because a river, Broad Run, carved its way through the mountains over a very long time. This gap sits between two mountains, High Point Mountain to the north and Bisquit Mountain to the south.
You can find Thoroughfare Gap right on the border between Prince William and Fauquier counties in Virginia. It's an important place for travel and has a lot of history.
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What is Thoroughfare Gap?
Thoroughfare Gap is a natural passage through the Bull Run Mountains. Imagine a river slowly cutting a path through solid rock for thousands of years. That's how a water gap like this forms. It's like a natural doorway through a mountain range.
This gap is not very high, only about 423 feet (129 meters) above sea level. It's a key spot because it offers an easy way to cross the mountains.
How People Use the Gap
Because Thoroughfare Gap is a natural opening, it has been used for travel for a very long time. Today, several important routes pass through it.
Modern Transportation Routes
- Interstate 66: A major highway that connects many places.
- Virginia State Route 55: Another important road for local and regional travel.
- Manassas Gap Railroad: A railway line that also uses the gap to cross the mountains.
These routes show how useful the gap is for moving people and goods. It helps connect different parts of Virginia.
History of Thoroughfare Gap
Thoroughfare Gap has a rich history, especially during the American Civil War. It was a strategic location because of its easy passage through the mountains.
The Civil War Battle
In 1862, during the American Civil War, a battle took place right here. It was called the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap. This battle was important because it happened just before the Second Battle of Manassas (also known as Second Bull Run).
The battle at Thoroughfare Gap helped decide who could move troops and supplies through the mountains. It was a key moment in the war in Virginia.
A Special Historic Place
Today, you can still see the ruins of an old building called Beverley Mill at the gap. This mill has been there for a long time and adds to the historical feel of the area.
Because of its importance in the Civil War, the area around the gap is recognized as a historic site. In 1999, the Thoroughfare Gap Battlefield was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place that is protected and remembered for its history.
