Date Visited: 4/5/2019
The pit that you see here is not another sinkhole. It is the remains of an iron ore mine that began operations around 1820. The deed to the ore bank was granted in 1826.
When operating at full production the company employed 60 men at the mine. These men (miners) used pickaxes to free the ore and mule drawn wagons transported the ore out of the mine.
Two men would use 26 pound sledge hammers in alternating strikes to break up the large pieces. The ore was then washed to remove the dirt, sand, gravel and rock before it smelted.
Another 100 men were employed at the furnace. The ore yielded 50 percent iron.
Ownership of the mine changed hands a number of times after falling into financial trouble. Even with it’s rocky start the mine provided the ore for nearby iron making operations until 1923. It is said that much ore still remains under the soil.
The mine can be viewed from above and there is an informational kiosk that goes into more detail about the changes in ownership that include an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
I found it interesting to view the red soil and the tree cemetery that resided at the bottom of the pit as well as learning a little about the process of extracting the ore.
Next week we visit an ironworks sight and the place where travelers would ford the Buffalo River.
Until then…
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