John Douglas Wayside near Abingdon, Virginia: Unofficial Speeding Ticket Capital of the World

Most of the time when you see John Douglas Wayside between Lebanon and Abingdon, Virginia, your first thought usually isn't history but more likely, "yikes, I better hit the breaks so the cops won't bust me for speeding," I have the tickets to prove this is a legitimate fear.

The real story is that this wayside is named in honor of John Douglas who was a scout at Black's Fort (now known as the town of Abingdon). In July 1776, Douglas was with a friend, William Benham, on a mission to warn residents of the Clinch Settlements of an impending Indian attack. Douglas and Benham had stopped along the way to eat lunch on a flat rock near the sight of the John Douglas Wayside when a shot rang out of the mountains and Douglas was killed. The shooter was never found but was presumed to be a warrior from the Cherokee Indian Tribe of the notorious Chief Dragging Canoe.

I've driven by this wayside for decades and never knew this story until recently. It just goes to show how much history is on virtually every street corner that we often take for granted. So, the next time you pass through the area slow down for the police, stop by to take a little break from driving and soak in a little slice of history. - Shane

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