PINEVILLE - Playing an important role in the opening up of Early America, was not only the Cumberland Gap, but also the Narrows and Cumberland Ford. To bring the importance of the three passageways through the Cumberland Mountains to the public's attention, Pineville has appliead for a grant from the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) Program.

The application, in the amount of $750,000, has been made to the state for the Historic Cumberland Ford-Narrows Development project, which is expected to take a year to complete.

Settlers had two methods of opening the west. One was along the Ohio River, to the north, and the other, the only way through the Appalachian Mountains, was throgh the Cumberland Gap, the Pine Mountain Gap (the Narrows) and across the Cumberland River at Cumberland Ford (in present-day Pineville). It is estimated that three quarters of 400,000 people passed through the area traveling west before 1800.

Pineville is looking at six ways to begin development of Cumberland Ford. One is to build a shared-use trail along the banks of the Cumberland River, to begin at the ford and go to the Narrows Historic Overlook.

The city is also looking at developing a Historic Cumberland Ford-Narrows Museum. “It would be at the existing site of Cumberland Ford and an existing building is planned to be converted into a transportation museum that also will feature exhibits of the triple passage ways through the Cumberland Mountains,” explained Diana Anderson who wrote the grant and is part of a group to get the historic passageways recognized.

Another aspect is the restoration of the Historic Cumberland Ford Transportation Route. “The Cumberland Ford was the only spot where the Cumberland River Could be crossed easily by wagons and people,” Anderson said.

The grant also would be used to construct an Historic Cumberland Ford Overlook along U.S. 25E. “An overlook with a coin operated automatic focus binocular and an historic marker will be constructed that will allow visitors to view the site.

This is part of the project that is eligible for funding under the Scenic or Historic Highway Programs category because it will protect and enhance the scenic, historic, cultural, and natural integrity of the historic roadway for the appreciation of the traveling public,” Anderson explained.

The plan also includes acquisition of property that is adjacent to Cumberland Ford that is now under private ownership.

The grant also includes a request for landscaping and scenic beautification that would include native plants and outdoor furniture that will enhance the view of the public.