Natural Bridge Of Virginia
The Natural Bridge was a unique rock formation in Rockbridge County, Virginia, which Thomas Jefferson patented with 150 surrounding acres on July 5, 1774. Jefferson considered the Natural Bridge "that most sublime of nature's works." Viewed by Jefferson as the symbolic gateway to the west, the Natural Bridge was about as far west as Jefferson personally ventured. Although identified with western expansion and exploration, Jefferson never penetrated beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.