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Washington Heritage Trail
 
 
Jefferson County, WV
About Jefferson County
Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Jefferson Rock
Shenandoah Canal
Shepherdstown
Entler Hotel
Rumsey Monument and Tobacco Warehouse
Morgan's Grove Park
Peter Burr House
Charles Town
Jefferson County Courthouse and Museum
Zion Episcopal Church
Happy Retreat
St. George's Chapel Ruins
Harewood
Cedar Lawn
Claymont Court/Blakeley
Middleway Historic District
Berkeley County, WV
About Berkeley County
Martinsburg
B&O Roundhouse & Station Complex
Belle Boyd House
Berkeley County Courthouse
Triple Brick Museum
General Adam Stephen House
Green Hill Cemetery
Van Metre Ford Bridge
Bunker Hill Mill
Morgan Chapel
Morgan Cabin
Gerrardstown Historic District
Hays Gerrard House
Mill's Gap
Sleep Creek Wildlife Management Area
Hedgesville Historic District
Mt. Zion Episcopal Church
Snodgrass Tavern
Morgan County, WV
About Morgan County
Spruce Pine Hollow Park
Berkeley Springs
Dutch Cemetery
Throgmorton's Inn
Bath Historic District
Berkeley Springs State Park
George Washington's Bathtub
Roman Bath House & Museum of the Berkeley Springs
Washington's Lots
Sir John's Run
Panorama Overlook
Great Cacapon
Camp Hill Cemetery
Paw Paw
Paw Paw Tunnel
Coolfont Manor House
Cacapon State Park

Washington Heritage Trail

 

MILLS GAP


In 1734, John Mills acquired, from Virginia Lieutenant Governor Gooch, 1315 acres of land near the southernmost gap in North Mountain used as a crossing point by settlers traveling the old Pack Horse Road, a former Indian trail from Shepherdstown to Romney. Below the gap, Gerrardstown was settled on the same land grant.

During the French and Indian War, native tribesmen crossed the gap from the west and massacred local families in Gerrardstown.

Around 1769, John Mills Jr. opened and operated a tavern frequented by travelers at the gap.
Today’s overlook at the crossroads is an irresistible stop to appreciate the panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley to the east including farmland and orchards. Red bud, apple white and peach pink dominate the color scheme in spring. At night, it’s the city lights of Martinsburg. Continue along the trail to the west to cross the lush and still sparsely settled Back Creek Valley.

Location: Intersection of WV45 and 51.



Copyright © 2010, Washington Heritage Trail, Inc. Funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration.