This art is believed to have been drawn
by a saltpeter Miner while nitrate mining during the Civil War. Sadly we do not know the
mans name, how hard he worked or when he died. His artwork is still visible today for
us to enjoy. And hopefully it will be there for future generations.
NSS Cavers try to protect the natural
resources found within caves for future generations to enjoy. This includes cave
formations, cave art, natural features, endangered bats, historic mining sites,
historic Indian sites and water supplies.
The Tennessee Cave Law provides prosecution for the vandalism of caves or caverns to those who harm the resources within the cave. Yes, people
( VANDALS ) really do break formations, dig up graves, and spray paint cavern walls!
"Saltpeter Vat Remnant"
During the Civil War saltpeter
was used to make gun powder. Vats were used to leach the saltpeter from the dirt. These days we seldom find such relics due to vandals, souvenir hunters and thoughtless visitors. Sometimes we are lucky to find a few remnants of our earlier culture.
Check out some of my favorite links that contain many excellent examples of art work
by early man.
