M.A. Kleen

The Anderson Blockhouse, built before 1778 in Scott County, Virginia, served as a fortified stop along the Wilderness Trail, offering protection and a rallying point for settlers heading west through the Cumberland Gap. Designed for defense, its unique structure allowed settlers to fend off attacks during this dangerous journey. Around 300,000 people passed by the blockhouse en route to Kentucky. A replica built in 2003 stands at Natural Tunnel State Park, where a visitor center and annual events showcase life on the frontier.