Saltpeter Cave, Limestone cave in Carter County, United States
Saltpeter Cave extends for 3.05 kilometers through limestone formations, with its entrance secured by limestone blocks and iron bars constructed in the mid-1900s.
During the early 1800s, workers extracted niter from the cave to produce gunpowder, which was reportedly used in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
The cave holds records of past mining activities through preserved artifacts and structures that demonstrate early American industrial practices and resource extraction methods.
Access to the cave is available through guided tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day, allowing visitors to explore the geological structures and mining history.
The cave functions as a winter hibernation site for the Indiana Bat population, making it an essential location for wildlife conservation efforts.
Location: Carter County
GPS coordinates: 38.37639,-83.12389
Latest update: March 2, 2025 19:56
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