Near Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Cave that Armed American Soldiers
— Natural Bridge State Park —
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
1. A Cave that Armed American Soldiers Marker
Saltpeter Cave was carved out of the nearby limestone by thousands of years of stream erosion, and after the discovery of nitrates in the cave Thomas Jefferson decided to lease it for the production of saltpeter, a major ingredient in early gunpowder. Saltpeter made at this site was used in the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
In many caves, nitrate-rich compounds came from the droppings of bats and birds; however, research has shown that nitrate compounds in the southeastern United States originate from a complex process of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, oxidation, and evaporation. These compounds were collected from the cave and then boiled to concentrate and crystalize the potassium nitrate into saltpeter, similar to reducing a sauce when cooking.
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Saltpeter vats in a different cave, dating to the same period.
While this cave has been heavily affected by human use, it is still home to many unique creatures. Keep an eye out for salamanders, bats, and maybe even Alleghany woodrats. Please help us maintain this delicate ecosystem by not littering, staying on the trailer, and paying attention to any signs about protected habitat.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • War of 1812 • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 37° 37.857′ N, 79° 32.992′ W. Marker is near Natural Bridge, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Lee Highway (U.S. 11) and Wert Faulkner Highway (Virginia Route 130), on the right when traveling north. Marker located along the Cedar Creek Trail in Natural Bridge State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge VA 24578, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lost River (a few steps from this marker); “The Most Sublime of Nature’s Works” (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saltpetre Cave (about 600 feet away); Monacan Village (about 700 feet away); Lost and Found (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lace Waterfalls (approx. 0.4 miles away); Natural Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natural Bridge.
Also see . . . Natural Bridge State Park. Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation. (Submitted on August 24, 2023.)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
2. A Cave that Armed American Soldiers Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
3. A Cave that Armed American Soldiers Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
