Explore The Pyrite Mine Ruins That Nature Has Reclaimed On This Forested Trail Through Virginia
By Beth|Published May 03, 2020
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Who doesn’t love the chance to engage in history while enjoying one of Virginia’s beautiful trails? That’s exactly what you can look forward to on the Pyrite Mine Loop Trail. Though this loop is lengthy — nearly seven miles — you’ll find things to enjoy at every turn: wildlife, waterfalls, bridge crossings, and of course, the namesake mine. Plus, there’s the option to take the 0.3-mile trail that will lead you directly to the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine. Curious to learn more about what awaits at Prince William Forest Park? Let’s get started!
Prince William Forest Park, formerly known as Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area, is one of the largest protected areas in the D.C. region and includes over 16,000 acres.
Visitors who wish to engage in history will find that this park offers the perfect opportunity in the form of the Pyrite Mine Loop Trail.
While seven miles seems like a daunting task, rest assured that the network of trails is well-marked and can be accessed directly from the Visitors Center.
The ruins of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine may seem modest, but their historical context is significant. The mine opened in 1889 and operated until 1920.
The history of the mine began by happenstance: a man named John Detrick was hiking along Quantico Creek and noticed something shiny in the water, which was later identified as pyrite, commonly known as Fool's Gold.
Pyrite immediately proved to be profitable because it was the key ingredient in the production of several common items, such as glass, soap, bleach, textiles, paper, and during WWI, gunpowder.
The mine was a difficult place to work by all accounts. Workers clocked between ten and twelve hours a day, six days a week and earned between $3.50 - $4.25 each shift. Yet despite the difficult conditions, there was also a true sense of camaraderie among workers. Though the nearby town of Dumfries was segregated, the mine was an integrated workplace where African Americans, Irish immigrants, and Italian immigrants could all work together. There was even a company town on the property, which included a company store, small railroad, and blacksmith shop.
After WWI, the price of pyrite dropped and the workers went on strike. The mine owner allegedly responded with the following quote: “Before I will give you another penny, I will let the mine fill up with water and let the frogs jump in!”
By 1920, the mine had closed and the families returned to nearby farms. While the mine's history had a toll on the community, it had an even larger effect on the environment.
When the Clean Water Act was passed in 1970, the National Park Service began reclaiming the area, which had been left untouched since the closing. At that time the pH level in the creek directly in front of the mine site was 2.8 -- the equivalent of vinegar! Thanks to the replanting and revitalization efforts of the NPS, future generations of visitors will be able to learn from the history of the mines and enjoy the land.
Have you hiked this trail before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences! For more information about the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine, you can click here.
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