Mine All Mine

Whenever I decide to wander, I usually go without a plan in mind. I pick a destination and sort of know what I might find but I am never quite sure. Like today. I went to a local land management area called Tantasquies or locally known as Leadmine. And yes, the name Leadmine is because there are lead mines on the property.

I knew I would find abandoned lead mines and tailing piles on the property. But I found a few other things as well.

The picture on the left is the first mine you come to when you follow the designated trail. I haven't been here for a few years and I see they have gated the entrance. There was a time when you could actually go inside approximately 100 feet. I took the picture on the right through the grill. The water is about six inches deep.

There are several open mines (I believe they are called trench mines) including the one pictured to the left. This one actually is a "T" shape.

Like I say when I see stone walls and old foundations, you can really appreciate the work it took to build these things. These mines were begun in the late 1600s by the Tantasquies tribe.

After the mines were abandoned they were reopened in the early 1800s. They were dug with hand tools, primitive ones in the 17th century.

As interesting as these mines were, once again it wasn't until I was at the end of my hike that I came across something I wasn't expecting. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted some stacked stones. Upon closer inspection, it was a foundation of a colonial home.

This was a first for me as it was the first time I came across one with a definable chimney stack.

Whenever I come across these foundations I wonder who lived here, what they were like. What became of them and their children. Are any of their descendants still living, are they living in the area?

I have yet to find a lot of information on who may have settled here. The only maps I have available to me are not very accurate.

Get out and explore the world right in your own backyard.