Cabin Branch Mine, Dumfries, Va.

[Anonymous]

I need information concerning the Cabin Branch Mining Company that operated from circa 1880-1920 near the town of Dumfries, Va. I have some info but there is always a chance that I've overlooked something. Copies of papers, photos etc. would be appreciated . Thanks [:)]

JR Lauch

[Dallas Morlan]

I ran a quick search and found links to information you probably already have but post them just in case.
National Park Service site, History of Prince William Forest Park http://www.nps.gov/prwi/History.htm
Two page pamphlet with photo and sketch map linked from above. http://www.nps.gov/prwi/Pyrite.pdf

The first link includes "In 1995 the National Park Service and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy reclaimed the site of the mine." The second link includes "Please contact a Park Ranger at 703 221 7181 if you have any questions." Have you asked for access to park service archives?

Since the mine was operational until 1920 U.S. Geological Survey Maps of the "15 minute quadrangle series" were completed during the 1920s and 30s in many areas of the country. The scale of 1:62,500 (1 inch = 5208.33 ft.) may not make them very helpful but they would show some detail from that era. Most states did not update this series and they are out of print but archive copies may be available for viewing or reproduction through contacts at Virginia Division of Mineral Resources http://www.mme.state.va.us/DMR/PUB/maplist.html or local historical societies.