Caves of Pocahontas

 

The sources describe numerous caves in the Valley of Virginia, detailing their locations, characteristics, and historical significance. These caves are found in various counties, and many have been explored and used for different purposes, including preservation of food, recreation, and even as meeting places.

General Characteristics of Caves

• Formation: Caves are generally formed in limestone, and their development involves water seeping through cracks, dissolving the rock over time, and creating underground caverns.
• Features: Caves often contain interesting geological formations like stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (rising from the floor), as well as other incrustations and spars.
• Temperature and Air: Caves tend to have a constant, cool temperature, and some discharge cold air. They can be used to preserve fresh meat.
• Exploration: Caves vary in size and complexity, some have been extensively explored, while others remain partially or entirely unexplored.

Specific Caves by County

• Frederick County
  • Zant's Cave: Located on land owned by the heirs of the late Major James Bean. This cave, described by Thomas Jefferson in "Notes on Virginia," has suffered damage from torch smoke, which has darkened its formations. Major Bean used the cave's spars to make lime, which he found to be effective as a fertilizer.
  • Cave on Capt. Edward McGuire's land: This cave has muddy, yellowish incrustations and spars, making it less interesting.
  • Cave on James Way's land: This cave, formerly owned by Col. C.M. Thurston, is noted for its singular and curious formations. When explored with a compass, the needle was found to run erratically.
  • Limestone cave near Bethel meeting-house: This cave on Stephen Grubb's land is about 100 yards long and known for its saltpetre production and ability to preserve fresh meat.
  • Panther Cave: Located on the north bank of Cedar Creek, this cave, owned by Major Isaac Hite, features a gray limestone wall with a 60-foot arch and two circular openings. It is named after the panthers that were once said to inhabit it.
  • Cave on Dr. Walker M. Hite's land: This cave is known for natural curiosities.
  • "Butterfly Rocks" Cave: Located on Cedar Creek, this cave features rocks with petrified flies.
• Shenandoah County
  • Cave near Woodstock: Located on the land of the late William Payne, this cave is extensive and has not been fully explored. It is used to preserve fresh meat due to the cold air it emits.
  • Two caves near Front Royal: These caves, on the east side of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, are known for their beautiful curiosities. One was explored by John Randolph, and it features a stalactite formation resembling a "hatter's kettle".
  • Cave on George F. Hupp's land: This cave near Strasburg is said to be extensive and contains much stalactite matter.
  • Cave on Israel Allen's land: This cave has a stream of water and was used as a dairy, where a large human skeleton was found.
• Augusta County
  • Weyer's Cave: Located seventeen miles northeast of Staunton. It is described in great detail. The cave was discovered by Bernard Weyer in 1804 while hunting a groundhog. It is known for its many rooms and formations, including "Solomon's Temple," "Barney's Hall," "the Lawyer's Office," "the Armory," "Weyer's Hall," "the Tanyard," "the Ball Room," "the Dining Room," and "Jefferson's Hall". The "Garden of Eden" is a particularly beautiful area with drapery-like stalactites. The cave has a consistent temperature of 56 degrees. The total length of the "main path" of the cave is 1,650 feet, but the total distance when following the windings is more than double. The cave also features a "rising sun" formation.
    • New Cave Near Weyer's Cave: Another cave was discovered near Weyer's Cave, featuring large pillars and stalactites. It is considered impressive but not as varied or beautiful as Weyer's.
  • Cave on Abney's Hill: This cave near Staunton has a rugged and precipitous entrance, making it less accessible.
• Jefferson County
  • Washington's Masonic Cave: Located near Charlestown, this cave is not very extensive but is significant because it was used as a meeting place for a Masonic Society that included George Washington.
• Berkeley County
  • Large cave near the mouth of the Opequon: A man went into this cave in 1813 in search of saltpetre but did not return.
• Rockingham County
  • Harrison's Cave: Located on the turnpike between Winchester and Staunton, this cave features a stalactite column and a rock formation that resembles an old woman. It is about 300 yards long.
• Pocahontas County
  • "Ice Cave" of Droop Mountain: This cave is mentioned as a point of interest.
  • Turkey Buzzard Cave: Located near Mt. Vernon.
  • Saltpetre Cave: Located at the head of Swago Creek.
  • Overholt Blowing Cave: Located near McClintic's Mill.
  • Sneadeger Cave: Located west of Droop Mountain. This cave is an abandoned stream channel, with a 135 foot drop over a half-mile distance. It is not known for extensive formations.
  • Cave near base of Greenbrier Limestone: This cave, located at the head of Stevens Hole Run, was the home of Steven Sewell for several years and is now a tourist attraction.
• Greenbrier County
  • Organ Cave: This cave is over a mile long and has an auditorium-like chamber with stalactites resembling a pipe organ. It also contains saltpeter works from the Civil War era. It has been developed for tourism with electric lights and walkways.

Other Notable Information

• Use for Saltpetre: Several caves were used for the production of saltpetre, a key ingredient in gunpowder.
• Use as Dairies: Some caves or cavities in rock formations have been used for their cool, constant temperatures for preserving milk.
• Impact of Tourism: Some caves have been developed with walkways and lighting for tourists. However, some visitors have damaged formations.
• Exploration Challenges: Some caves are difficult to access, requiring ropes or special equipment.

The sources provide a rich overview of the numerous caves in the Valley of Virginia, and their unique geological and historical features. They highlight the caves' significance for early settlers, their development into tourist attractions, and their continued presence as natural wonders.