[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18659]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE TOWN OF CUMBERLAND GAP, TN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic town of 
Cumberland Gap, TN as they celebrate their 200th anniversary of postal 
service.
  Cumberland Gap has long been a place of historic passage. In pre-
Colonial America, the Gap served Native Americans as a pivotal crossing 
for their trading and hunting routes through the Appalachian Mountains. 
Later, Daniel Boone and his 29 ``axe men'' blazed a 208 mile trail into 
central Kentucky providing a route for pioneer families to travel west. 
During the Civil War, Cumberland Gap gained military significance, 
becoming known as the ``Gibraltar of America'' and the ``Keystone of 
the Confederacy.''
  Today however, in the age of flight, travelers through Cumberland Gap 
come not to get through the mountains, but to escape into them. The 
natural beauty of the surrounding area and the gap's rich cultural 
history make it a popular destination for travelers of all ages and 
interests. From hikers to historians, people continue to be drawn to 
the ``gap between the mountains.''
  Time has almost stood still in the small Appalachian town of 
Cumberland Gap. As you walk through the quiet streets, you are greeted 
with architecture from the late 1800s and the 1920s. The streets are 
snap shots from the past, illustrating the progression of history even 
through today. The town's rich history, quiet charm, and natural beauty 
are especially appealing for cultural tourism.
  Just as the historic parade marched through the gap for more than 200 
years, the procession is not yet finished. Today the town of Cumberland 
Gap, the natural starting point for a journey into the Cumberland Gap 
National Park, is a haven for day hikers, adventure hikers, and cycle 
enthusiasts. Whether you are seeking history, culture or adventure, 
Cumberland Gap is always a great place to be.
  On July 19th, this historic town celebrates 200 years of postal 
service with a day of interpretive presentations of what life was like 
in the early 1800s including ``living history'' exhibits throughout the 
town. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join them on this important day and 
I wish the town of Cumberland Gap many years of continued success.

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