This paper, read before an audience of Union Army veterans in 1885, provides an overview of the Battle of Cumberland Gap, a pivotal engagement in the American Civil War. The author describes the events leading up to the battle, the strategies employed by both sides, and the aftermath of the conflict. It's a fascinating look at a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.