The map that I have show iron, lead and other minerals in that part of Wythe Co. I just don't see how it could have been efficiently shipped in those days. Maybe 'efficiency' was defined differently. -eddie I have an article with picture of the Shot Tower located about 18 miles South of Fort Chiswell at Jackson's Ferry where Route 52 crosses New River. It also mentioned that it was located near the lead mines. It was built around 1820 so they could sell the shot directly and save $100 in the cost of shipping lead bars to Baltimore. I read where the iron ore at Cripple Creek was one of the main reasons to build the Clinchfield Railroad. Robert Crabtree "Toto, I don't think we are in NH any more."