Shot Tower at Jackson's Ferry
N 36° 52.205 W 080° 52.218
17S E 511559 N 4080468
Credited to Thomas Jackson, this shot tower was used to manufacture lead shot for muzzleloading shotguns and muskets.
Waymark Code: WM9B7
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 03/23/2006
Views: 148
From the premises sign:
Built and operated by Thomas Jackson in the 1800's, the Shot Tower was used to manufacture lead shot for muzzleloading shotguns and muskets. The Tower stands 75 feet high with a 75 foot shaft below. The lead needed a total fall of 150 feet to properly form the shot. A large kettle of water acted as a cushion and caught the shot at the bottom of the shaft. The shot was retrieved via a tunnel that came out at the river's edge. The Shot Tower has been designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
The tower was built in 1807 at one of the main crossing points on the New River. A hand drawn ferry operated from 1758-1930 when it was replaced by the Route 52 bridge.
The New River Trail - open for Hiking Bicycling and Horseback Riding - passes alongside the Shot Tower. While still being constructed, it will extend through 4 counties and total 57 miles when completed.
There is a parking fee ($2-3) for the Shot Tower Historical Park Lot. There appears to be limited free parking available for sections of the New River Trail.
Note: I am from Ohio and visit the area of the tower several times a year. If someone from the area would like to adopt this waymark, I would be happy to give it up to a local person.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/shottowr.shtml