The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-05-21
Rich Patch.

The mining operations at Rich Patch
mines have fairly commenced, and from
rs to 100 tons are being shipped daily to
Low Moor Furnace, where all the pres
ent output will be taken. Capt. NJ H
Mccarthy is in charge of the mines, and
Mr.. c. T. Zollinger the engineer in charge
of the works. The Rich Patch Compa-
ny has built railroad to connect with
the Low Moor road-also the C. & O. on
the McElwee farm, just west of Low
Moor. AS soon as the washer, now being
placed, is completed, about 300 tons will
be shipped daily The engine used in
drawing the cars was obtained from the
c. & O. Company. with Mr.. B. III. Nose
ly, competent engineer, in charge.
The developments at Rich Patch are
marvellous, although just commenced.
There is exposed solid body of 300 feet OF
ore, and between 30 and so feet wide. This
vein runs for five miles through the prop
erty. There is a smaller vein of brown
hematite, and also vein of red shale
passing through the 5000 acres. There
are several openings now being worked
on the large vein from which shipments
are being made. AS soon as the mans
agement can mature its plans, and get
in the necessary machinery, a much
larger output of ore will be effected
Rich Patch is, probably, the most val
liable iron ore property now being
wly od in, Virnirso ;I,%;
beyond reasonable computation. Prof.
Lewellyn, of Pennsylvania, in his day
one of the most learned and reliable
mining engineers in the country, made
thorough practical test of the property
of the Rich Patch Company, in 1874, and
calculated that there were on it one hun
dred and fifteen million tons, which would
represent, when taken out, tao hundred
and THIRTY millions dollars. Of course,
it would take the life time of several
generations to make a serious impression
upon this immense body of ore, but the
statement of SO eminent an engineer as
the late Prof. Lewellyn, gives an idea of
the value of the property.
It is possible that the present members
of the Rich Patch Iron Company, after
they have demonstrated the quantity. to
a degree, and the quality of the ore on
their property, may divide las the whole
property is more than they could ever
work, and place a portion of it on the
market. Other portions of the prop
erty are just as rich in iron ore
as that now being worked, part of
it accessible to the C. & o. railway and
other parts will be accommodated by
the Potts Creek railroad, if it is con-
structed. AS capital is drawn this way
and the intrinsic value of the mineral
lands in this district becomes more gen
orally known, there will be inquiries
from investors and disposition to pay
prices for iron properties. IT
Rich Patch were located either in the
north or west, its value would be esti-
mated by millions of dollars, and there
would be no hesitation ON the part of
iron men to take it at what would be
considered here fabulous price. But
few have a remote idea of the immense
iron deposits in this region. but knowl-
edge will spread as to this, and in few
years, we believe, capital and skilled
labor will cooperate in exposing this
vast wealth, and converting it into an
agent of commerce, from the results of
which will be built up great Industrial
district, with Clifton Forge as its center.