Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Lost River

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 2007

1. Lost River Marker

Inscription. About 1812, workmen from the Saltpetre Cave heard the waters of the Lost River, and blasted the opening to it that you see today. A water main was attached to transport water to the hoppers and kettles used to extract the nitrate from the cave.

Legend has it that, in later years, several unsuccessful attempts were made to locate the underground channels of the Lost River. Colored dyes and flotation devices of all types have failed to determine the source and final destination of this mysterious subterranean river.

“{Natural Bridge} is something like being in a church. It almost brings tears to your eyes.”
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources.

Location. 37° 37.85′ N, 79° 33′ W. Marker is in 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 left when traveling south. The marker is on the Cedar Creek Trail. 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. A Cave that Armed American Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); Saltpetre Cave (about 600 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); “The Most Sublime of Nature’s Works” (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.

Lost River emerging from the opening. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 2007

2. Lost River emerging from the opening.

<i>The Lost River at Natural Bridge</i> image. Click for full size.

Postcard published by Tichnor Co., circa 1957

3. The Lost River at Natural Bridge

An earlier marker at this location, with the initial portion reading: Men have risked their lives trying to locate the meanderings of this stream, but have been unsuccessful...

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 1,524 times since then and 110 times this year. Last updated on July 20, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on July 20, 2017. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.