Saltpetre Cave at the head of Swago Creek

 

Saltpetre Cave at the head of Swago Creek as a natural curiosity in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.

Here's what the sources and our conversation history tell us about Swago Creek and the surrounding area:

• Swago Creek: Swago Creek is a tributary of the Greenbrier River in central Pocahontas County. It flows from west to east.

• Saltpetre Cave: The Saltpetre Cave is located at the head of Swago Creek. Saltpetre, also known as potassium nitrate, is a mineral used in the production of gunpowder.

• Natural Curiosities: The Saltpetre Cave is listed among other natural attractions in Pocahontas County, including the cliffs at the end of Droop Mountain, the Ice Cave of Droop Mountain, the Cranberry Meadows, the Falls of Hills Creek, the Turkey Buzzard Cave, the Black Hole, and the Overholt Blowing Cave.

• Pocahontas County: The area around Swago Creek is part of Pocahontas County, which is described as a land of abundant and pure water sources. The county is noted for its unique natural features and scenic beauty. The region is underlaid with vast water reservoirs, with springs emerging from both level land and mountain sides.

• Saltpetre Extraction: The sources mention saltpetre being extracted from caves in other areas as well. Specifically, it mentions that during the Civil War, when saltpetre was scarce, a fissure in the wall of a rock was explored for saltpetre. A man named George Dotson was lowered down by a rope to explore a cave, but his only reward was the satisfaction of his curiosity as the hole only extended a few feet.

In summary, the Saltpetre Cave at the head of Swago Creek is one of several natural curiosities in Pocahontas County. The cave's name suggests it may have been a source of saltpetre, which is an important ingredient in gunpowder.