Pennington Gap & St. Charles
Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium
Lee High School
Welcome
Bordered by Kentucky and Tennessee, Lee County is located in the southwestern tip of Virginia. When the railroad reached the area in the early 1900s, small towns evolved to take advantage of abundant coal and timber. Pennington Gap was a bustling center of commerce, becoming known as the leading supply center for the coal fields and agricultural sections of the county. Developing in the steeper, more rugged section of the county, St. Charles was an outlying coal camp; coal was transported by a branch of the railroad running from St. Charles to Pennington Gap. Though coal mining is no longer a booming industry, the history of the two towns is still evident.
Recreation and Nearby Attractions
Standing sentinel just north of the town of Pennington Gap is a striking
rock formation, Stone Face Rock. This prominent outcrop is a result
of erosion by the North Fork of the Powell River as it flows over the
stratum of gray sandstone which forms many cliffs and hogbacks along the
top of Stone Mountain. It has been estimated that between 1775 and 1796
more than 200,000 pioneers traveled over the Wilderness Road and
through the Cumberland Gap.This route was carved by Daniel Boone
to open "America's western frontier." Wilderness Road State
Park, at the intersection of Routes 58 and 923 in western Lee County,
memorializes this passage. The park offers picnic shelters, primitive
camping, guided canoe trips, interpretive programs, hiking, biking, and
equestrian trails. The story of the first doorway to the west is also
commemorated at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, located
where the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet. Pinnacle
Overlook , elevation 2,240 feet, is 4 miles from the park visitors'
center and, on a clear day, bestows a view of the three states.
Pinnacle Overlook shrowded in mist
Quick Facts
Population
Pennington Gap 1,859 (2000)
St. Charles 188 (2000)
Climate
Average winter temp. 33
Average summer temp. 73
Average annual rainfall 50"
Average annual snowfall 20"
Government
Both Pennington Gap and St. Charles are incorporated towns with town councils. Pennington Gap Town Council meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room at the Town Hall; St. Charles Town Council meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Transportation
Pennington Gap is located on U.S. ALT 58 which intersects with U.S. 421 in the town limits. St. Charles is a 15 minute drive north of Pennington Gap via U.S. 421 and VA 352. I-81 and the Tri-City Regional Airport in Blountville, TN, are about 60 miles away.
Estimated Driving Times
From:
•Northern Virginia 7.5 hours
•Richmond 6.5 hours
•Tidewater area 8 hours
•Roanoke 3.5 hours
