Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1873-06-26
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1873
VISIT TO THE MICA BEDS.

Ent Va ~ 0NsN
n large portion O. our future wealth and
prosperity is to be derived. For the past
few years we have heard a great deal Of
the mica mines of Western North Caro-
lima and with q view to examine and re-
port upon them We last week paid q visit
to the region Of country whore they are
to be found.
Passing over the trip through the
mountains q history Of which would be Of
no especial interest to our readers, we will
state that we arrived in the neighborhood
Of the mines which are situated in
Mitchell county, N. c., on Thursday the
10th inst, and proceeded at once to n
Of the richest veins Of ore that hos os yet
been discovered and which is being ope.
rated by Messrs. Heap 4 Clappe, a firm
who were the pioneers in the mica trade,
and who have amassed a fortune out Of it.
These mines are situated about three
and one.half miles from Bakersville, the
county seat Of Mitchell county. Through
the kindness Of Mr.. Mack Sorrell, their
efficient Superintendent, we were shown
through the works. The mica is found in
vein, running northeast and southwest,
and is obtained by either sinking shafts
or more frequently by running a tunnel
into the side Of the mountain in the
course of the vein Of mica, which is usu-
ely walled on each side by solid slate,
making a safe passage through the earth.
These tunnels are at times, though rare.
ly supported by timbers, as the slate on
each side and the character Of earth and
rock in which the mica is found imbeded
render it quite unnecessary in most in|
stances.
Guided by Mr.. Sorrells we entered the
tunnel and c~lambered through the cath
for the space of an hour, examining the
many curious formations, and at inter-
walls feasting our eyes on the rich deposits
of mica that met u gaze at the termina-
tion Of each tunnel.
From careful inquiry We found that
mica existed in i~nexhaustible quantities
in that section. That new deposits are
being discovered nearly every day. That
the demand for the commodity is on the
increase and that the prices are advancing,
although TO what use it is put aside from
stoves we were unable to determine
There seems however to be a regular mar
ket for it as soop as it is prepared. Sey-
~eral parties being on the ground ready to
purchase as soon as it is ready for ship
msnt, at prices ranging from sevent y'fve
cents to six dollars per pound, according
to the size of pattern used. Smaller pat
terms are now used than formerly which
enables the miner to work up mica that
wa once useless.
Wages Of laboring men are quite low,
ranging from .scventy-fve cents to one dol
lar per day, they boarding themselves.
There is plenty Of help at these prices.
Bakersville, the county seat Of Mitchell,
is q new town, built mostly since the war
and situated in q beautiful valley. 1t
has a very substantial brick Court house
which is being used as q female school
during the intervals Of court. They are
about to erect a college building near Ba-
kersville and the prospect for educational
advantages is quite encouraging. There
are several enterprising mercantile houses
and two good hotels in town. Money we
were informed was quite plenty and the
cash system is mostly in vogue among
business men.
Taking all together the prospect for
Mitchell county is quite fattering for the
future. Many have made and are now
making fortunes out Of the mica, and it
is the opinion of business men that the
enterprise is only in its infancy. One
thing certain, if the price Of the article
holds up at its present figures Mitchell,
with il i~nexhaustible mines, is destined
to be one of tho richest counties in the
State. Want of space forbids u going
into details as much as We could wish our
object beingtogive a general outline ofthe
work being carried on in that section for
the information Of those of our readers
Who may desire to engage in the mica
trade. Our statements are based upon
personal observation and careful enquiry
and may be looked upon as reliable so far
as they 60. As We expect to revisit that
section soon we may in a future article
c;c. mora satisfactory details