Three Notch'd Road, Colonial transportation route in Central Virginia, United States.
Three Notch'd Road is a historic transportation route that runs from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains through Jarmans Gap. The original path passes through central Virginia and is now partly followed by modern U.S. Route 250 and sections of Interstate 64.
The route developed during colonial times as a horse trail connecting Richmond with western settlements. In 1781, Jack Jouett famously rode the road at night to warn Governor Thomas Jefferson of approaching British troops during the Revolutionary War.
The road's name comes from colonial trail markers - three notches carved into trees to help travelers find their way through Virginia's forests. This simple marking system became so recognizable that people began calling the route by this distinctive feature.
The best time to explore is during daylight hours when the road is clearly visible and traffic is predictable. Travelers should note that the original route is now divided among several modern roads, so a map is helpful for following the historical path.
The road once served as a boundary between two Anglican parishes and provided a crossing point over the Rivanna River. These dual roles reveal how the route shaped the region's administration and infrastructure beyond simply serving travelers.
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