[8] In the 1780s, a road was built through the gap to help provide protection for travelers migrating from East Tennessee to the Nashville area.

[9] The historian J. G. M. Ramsey reported several Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee attacks at "the Crab-Orchard" during a period of heightened tensions between Native Americans and encroaching Euro-American settlers in the early 1790s.

[10] In April 1794, a group of travelers was ambushed by a band of Creeks, killing early Cumberland County settler Thomas 'Big Foot' Spencer.

The road passed through Crab Orchard, bringing a steady stream of travelers and migrants to the area.

In 1827, Robert Burke, whose wife operated a tavern at what is now Ozone established the Crab Orchard Inn, which remained open until the early 20th century.

[13] Crab Orchard received its fame from a rare type of durable sandstone found in its vicinity.

First used in local structures and sidewalks in the late 19th century, the Crab Orchard stone gained popularity in the 1920s when it was used in the construction of Scarritt College in Nashville.

[14] Crab Orchard is home to a large limestone mine operated by Lhoist North America.

The mine and its accompanying plant dominate the south side of the Crab Orchard gap along Interstate 40 and US-70.