The lead mined at the Chiswell mines was made into "shot" at the old shot tower and distributed to forts and the military on the frontier. The lead was melted at the top of the "shot tower" and poured through screens down into the water of New River below..A tunnel connected the river to the shaft dug under the tower and boats were taken in to bring the shot out..The top of the shot tower was more than a hundred feet above the level of the river and as the molten lead fell from the screen it formed into round pellets, like rain drops. When it hit the cold water it "chilled and retained it's shape which was suitable for use in guns.. of course, there were "bullet molds" for making rifle ammunition..Some lead was used in this manner also..More later... G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va...