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"Thoroughfare Gap, Va., a pass in the mountains on the Manassas Gap Railroad, near Strasburg, held by General Geary. This famous natural break in that part of the mountain ridge called Bull Run Mountain is about nine miles northeast of Warrenton, forty-seven miles southwest of Washington, and one hundred and twenty-four miles from Richmond. The western side is of granite, covered with soil, on which trees grow up to the summit. On the east side is the Gap, which has been called the Virginia Thermopylae, since a few determined men might hold it against thousands. This splendid defense caught the eye of General Geary, and had there been a necessity to act on the defensive he had resolved there to make his stand. The rocks lie scattered around in such wild confusion as to suggest the idea of being the result of some convulsion of nature. Near the Gap is a spring, issuing from under an immense rock, of the purest and coldest water, which is neither increased nor diminished in any season. It stands on the roadside, and is called by travelers 'The Diamond Spring in Palestine.'"— Frank Leslie, 1896

Thoroughfare Gap

"Thoroughfare Gap, Va., a pass in the mountains on the Manassas Gap Railroad, near Strasburg, held by…