C.S.A. Saltpetre Mine (6 mi. SW)
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Marker Text: Worked in the 1860s. Had vast deposits of bat guano, which by natural decay became saltpetre, chief ingredient of gunpowder used in Civil War. As mixed with small parts of charcoal and sulphur, saltpetre from here powered Confederate cannon and smaller ammunition. Some was shipped east of Mississippi.
Cave inhabited by bats, source of the guano, extends about 23 miles. One room in the great bat den extends 585' x 325', and has a 45' ceiling, narrow gauge railway with mule drawn cars was used in the digging. Cave had corrals for the mules. (1965) Marker No: 600
Aluminum 18 x 28 Subject Marker
Geographic: 29.500504, -99.723007
Location: From Uvalde, take Highway 83 about 20 miles north to intersection with 127 South - marker fronts Highway 83 at intersection.
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