Turner's Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turner's Gap |
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Looking east across the Middletown Valley at Catoctin Mountain from Turners Gap
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| Elevation | 1,070 ft (326 m) |
| Traversed by |  U.S. Route 40 Alt. |
| Location | Maryland, United States |
| Range | Blue Ridge Mountains South Mountain |
| Coordinates | 39°29′05″N 77°37′13″W / 39.48467°N 77.620212°W |
Turner's Gap is a special low point in the South Mountain Range. This range is part of the bigger Blue Ridge Mountains. You can find Turner's Gap in Maryland, right where Frederick County meets Washington County.
A "wind gap" is a natural pass or a low spot in a mountain range. It's like a natural pathway through the hills. This gap is used by U.S. Route 40 Alternate, which used to be called the old National Pike. The famous Appalachian Trail also crosses through Turner's Gap, following the mountain ridge.
Geography of Turner's Gap
Turner's Gap is about 200 feet (61 meters) lower than the mountain ridge to its south. It is also about 400 feet (122 meters) below the ridge to the north. But it sits 400 feet (122 meters) above the flat lands around it.
To the east of the gap, you'll find the Middletown Valley. To the west, there's the Hagerstown Valley. Another important gap, Fox's Gap, is just about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to the south.
History at Turner's Gap
Turner's Gap has some interesting old buildings. The Old South Mountain Inn and Dahlgren Chapel are both located right at the gap.
This area was also very important during the American Civil War. In September 1862, there was a lot of fighting here during the Battle of South Mountain. This battle was a key event in the war. Today, the area is recognized for its history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Turner's and Fox's Gaps Historic District.
