Destruction of Saltpeter Works
Inscription
A key component of gunpowder, the saltpeter mined near Franklin was of great importance to the South during the Civil War. On August 19, 1863, during his raid of Pendleton and surrounding counties, Union Gen. William W. Averell destroyed the valuable works. Seven months later, on March 3, 1864, Lt. Col. Augustus Roots, 15th NY Cavalry, destroyed the rebuilt facilities.
Location
Sources
More markers in Pendleton
West Virginia (Pendleton County)/Virginia
"The Mountain State"-western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863.
Pendleton County/Randolph County
Formed in 1788 from Hardy, Augusta, Rockingham.
West Virginia (Pendleton County)/Virginia
"The Mountain State"--western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863.
Smoke Hole
Smoke Hole, a rugged canyon formed by the South Branch of the Potomac River, extends eighteen miles south to U.S. 220.
Smoke Hole Cave
Smoke Hole Road, WV
On Smoke Hole Knob (300 yards west), overlooking this site, is Smoke Hole Cave with its circular chamber, forty feet high and fifteen...