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Before the settlers came to the New World, the Natural Bridge was a sacred site of the Native American Monacan Indians. (citation needed) Some believe George Washington came to the site in 1750 as a young surveyor on behalf of Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax Of Cameron . To support claims that Washington surveyed the area, some claim the initials "G.W." on the wall of the bridge were carved by the future president. Thomas Jefferson purchased 157 acres (635,000 m&2) of land including the Natural Bridge from King George III of England in 1774 . Jefferson built a two-room log cabin, with one room reserved for guests, beginning its use as a retreat. (citation needed)

Natural Bridge was one of the wonders of the new world that Europeans visited during the 18th and 19th centuries. Vacationing guests from all over the world took day trips from Natural Bridge on horseback or horse drawn carriages to explore the countryside. In , another American literary figure, said that Natural Bridge and Niagara Falls were the two most remarkable features of North America . (citation needed) During the 1880s Natural Bridge was a resort owned by Colonel Henry Parsons. (citation needed)

''The Drama of Creation'', a sound and light show depicting the seven days of creation as told in the Bible in the Book of Genesis, was inaugurated by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. (citation needed) Phineas Stevens , a lighting engineer, designed and installed a system of lighting which at night shined on the Bridge and glen while music was played.

Today, in order to view the bridge from below, a ticket needs to be purchased for 12 U.S. dollars. However, the bridge can be seen for free from US-11, which runs on top of it.

Natural Bridge is also the name of a town in the vicinity of the bridge, located in Rockbridge County.


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