CUMBERLAND GAP - Officials from the Cumberland Gap National Park, Virginia Tobacco Commission, Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association and the Scott County 2007 Committee gathered at the national park's Daniel Boone parking Saturday area to dedicate a series of interpretive panels.

The panels feature the art of George Caleb Bingham and share historical information about sites along the Wilderness Trail.

"You connect the dots and you realize what an impact this area had on our nation as a whole," said national park superintendent Mark Woods.

The project is funded by the Virginia Tobacco Commission and has been designated a Virginia 2007 Legacy Project sponsored by the Scott County Virginia 2007 Committee.

Ronnie Montgomery, of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, said the project was appealing because of the impact it can have on tourism.

"Tourism is one way to revitalize our economy and this is a great thing to help our area to develop," he said.

Harold Jerrell, president of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association, agreed that tourism should be a big part of Lee County's future economy.

"We have a rich heritage and it's just waiting tobe developed," he said.

In addition to the anchor panel at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, panels have been placed at Wilderness Road State Park and Natural Tunnel State Park.