Near Franklin in Pendleton County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Destruction of Saltpeter Works

Photographed by Roger Miller, October 18, 2018

1. Destruction of Saltpeter Works Marker

Inscription. A key component of gun powder, the saltpeter mined near Franklin was of great importance to the South during the Civil War. On August 19, 1863, during his raid of Pendleton and surrounding counties, Union Gen. William W. Averell destroyed the valuable works. Seven months later, on March 3, 1864, Lt. Col. Augustus Roots, 15 NY Cavalry, destroyed the rebuilt facilities.

Erected 2016 by West Virginia Archives & History.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1864.

Location. 38° 36.203′ N, 79° 22.272′ W. Marker is near Franklin, West Virginia, in Pendleton County. It is on U.S. 220 1.2 miles south of Thorn Creek Road (County Route 23), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin WV 26807, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in Appalachia.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Trout Rock Fort (a few steps from this marker); Jackson's Prayer Service (approx. 1.7 miles away); Devonian Shale (approx. 1.9 miles away); Civil War Soldiers Monument (approx. 3.4

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miles away); McCoy House (approx. 3.4 miles away); Pendleton County World War I Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away); Pendleton County Court House (approx. 3.4 miles away); Franklin (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Other markers no longer nearby. Trout Rock (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Confederate Prayer Service (was approx. 1.7 miles away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Roger Miller, October 18, 2018

2. Destruction of Saltpeter Works Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2018, by Roger Miller of Pulaski, Virginia. This page has been viewed 759 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on August 30, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2018, by Roger Miller of Pulaski, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.