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
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Erected by Virginia State Parks, Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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° 37.792′ N, 79° 32.908′ W. Marker is near Natural Bridge, Virginia, in Rockbridge County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
2. A Cave that Armed American Soldiers Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Once Enslaved, He Became Natural Bridge's First Caretaker (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Most Sublime of Natures Works (approx. Ό mile away); George Washington (approx. Ό mile away); Lost and Found (approx. Ό mile away); How Did It Happen? (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Natural Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Natural Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); Natural Bridge Patent (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natural Bridge.
Other markers no longer nearby. Saltpetre Cave (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Monacan Village (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Lost River (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); Natural Bridge (was approx. 0.3 miles away
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 30, 2023
3. A Cave that Armed American Soldiers Marker
Also see . . . Natural Bridge State Park. Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation. (Submitted on August 24, 2023.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,400 times since then and 157 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.
