Last updated: August 13, 2024
Place
Stony Man: Blue Clues to the Mountain Mines
The rocks you see around you are very ancient. 570 million years ago, there was tremendous volcanic activity in this area, leaving behind a total of 12 lava flows and 1800’ of volcanic rock. This rock was later metamorphosed by heat and pressure, changing composition from basalt to greenstone, which is the geology exposed on Stony Man today.
A close look at the rocks will reveal a rainbow of minerals of different colors and textures. Assorted mineral deposits once drew people to the Stony Man area in search of the riches that could be found here.
Just off the trail to your right, look for a blue-green coloration in the rocks on the ground (hint: it looks different from the lichen!). This is oxidized copper. The Miner's Lode Copper Company operated here on Stony Man in the mid 1800s, with George H. Pollock as one of its principal shareholders. However, after many unsuccessful years, his son George Freeman Pollock convinced him to give up the mine and build Skyland Resort in its place. Pollock would later become a strong advocate for the creation of Shenandoah National Park.
Signs of cultural history, as well as natural history, can be found up and down this mountain, if you know where to look for them. Can you see where in the stone bluff ahead the miners dug out in search of ore?
A close look at the rocks will reveal a rainbow of minerals of different colors and textures. Assorted mineral deposits once drew people to the Stony Man area in search of the riches that could be found here.
Just off the trail to your right, look for a blue-green coloration in the rocks on the ground (hint: it looks different from the lichen!). This is oxidized copper. The Miner's Lode Copper Company operated here on Stony Man in the mid 1800s, with George H. Pollock as one of its principal shareholders. However, after many unsuccessful years, his son George Freeman Pollock convinced him to give up the mine and build Skyland Resort in its place. Pollock would later become a strong advocate for the creation of Shenandoah National Park.
Signs of cultural history, as well as natural history, can be found up and down this mountain, if you know where to look for them. Can you see where in the stone bluff ahead the miners dug out in search of ore?