Alum Cave is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains. Although the cave (actually a bluff) is an interesting geological site with great views, it also has a great deal of historical significance. The Epsom Salts Manufacturing Company was established at Alum Cave in 1838. Until it was sold in 1854, the company mined epsom salts which were used by mountain folk to dye homespun clothing a reddish brown. During the Civil War the Confederate Army mined saltpeter out of the cave, which they used to manufacture gunpowder. Winter is a great time to visit the cave . It’s pretty cool watching the icicles drop like missiles from the ledge above.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
Articles
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire