Start Date
14-2-2013 8:30 AM
Description
Remains of the saltpeter mining operation in Mammoth Cave are a significant feature of several cave tours and figure prominently in the history of cave use. We undertook a comprehensive review of existing historical descriptions and recent archaeological investigations to construct the most reasonable account of how the saltpeter operation worked and assess its current conditions. At least three types of saltpeter vats were constructed in the cave reflecting an increase in the size of the operation and efficiency of processing sediments over time. Remains of three pump towers are also found in the cave in various states of preservation. The water pipe system was mostly dismantled, but archaeological evidence indicates its most probable route through the cave. We recommend more thorough documentation of existing remains, conservation efforts to preserve existing remains, better interpretative signage, and possibly repair or replication of damaged or missing components to further enhance public interpretation.
Recommended Citation
Crothers, George M.; Pappas, Christina A.; and Mittendorf, Christian D., "The History and Conservation of Saltpeter Works in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky" (2013). Mammoth Cave Research Symposia. 2.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/mc_reserch_symp/10th_Research_Symposium_2013/Day_one/2
Included in
Animal Sciences Commons, Forest Sciences Commons, Geology Commons, Hydrology Commons, Other Earth Sciences Commons, Plant Sciences Commons
The History and Conservation of Saltpeter Works in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Remains of the saltpeter mining operation in Mammoth Cave are a significant feature of several cave tours and figure prominently in the history of cave use. We undertook a comprehensive review of existing historical descriptions and recent archaeological investigations to construct the most reasonable account of how the saltpeter operation worked and assess its current conditions. At least three types of saltpeter vats were constructed in the cave reflecting an increase in the size of the operation and efficiency of processing sediments over time. Remains of three pump towers are also found in the cave in various states of preservation. The water pipe system was mostly dismantled, but archaeological evidence indicates its most probable route through the cave. We recommend more thorough documentation of existing remains, conservation efforts to preserve existing remains, better interpretative signage, and possibly repair or replication of damaged or missing components to further enhance public interpretation.