There seems to be a shortage of information on this site about saltpeter mining. I know that some of you know a lot about it. I am in the process of corresponding with some experts directly, but anything you might know would be most interesting.
I have documented a cave in VA that appears to contain artifacts of saltpeter mining. That these are the remnants of a mining operation has been confirmed by persons far more knowledgeable that myself. The cave is very small, with a total passage length (before our dig ) of about 200'. The entrance is less than two feet high while the passage itself ranges from five to fifteen feet high. Sediment deposits on both sides of the passage bear obvious tool marks. A crumbled mass of soil contains both the imprint of planks and several embedded planks. This appears to be the cast of a vat. Other notched sections of log are present near the vat.
Questions: Is it unusual for the leaching operation to take place in-cave for such a small-scale work? Is it unusual for the leaching operation to take place in-cave in the absence of an easy water supply (only small drips, no surface stream immediately near the entrance)? A name, dated 1879, is the only legible marking. If this name is contemporaneous with the mining, would it be safe to assume that the operation was intended for personal or local use? Many small holes (1/2" dia) are pushed into the soil banks: Could lights have hung from poles/sticks in the wall, is this common?
Thanks