

How to Use the Images


Inquiry Question

Historical Context



Diagram 1
Photos 1 & 2
Photos 3 & 4


Table of

Visual Evidence

Drawing 1: Saltpeter mining operation at
Mammoth Cave, c. 1810-1815.
[Drawing 1] with link to higher quality drawing.
(Delineated by Dan Ellingson, 1986. Historic American Engineering Record, National Park Service)

Questions for Drawing 1

1. Based on what you learned in Reading 2, describe what is happening in this drawing.

2. Make a list of the pros and cons of working in a cave. What do you think it would be like? Is this an environment you would enjoy working in? Why or why not?

3. Why was saltpeter mining important in the early 19th century? Why did this mining operation become unprofitable?




Comments or Questions

National Park Service arrowhead with link to NPS website.