Coke Ovens Traditional Cache
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is placed near the Austen Coal & Coke Co. Mine No.1
that operated between the late 1890's to 1924.
When the B & O Railroad completed its route through Preston
County in 1852 it provided an outlet for the mineral resources of
the Newburg coal field.
In preparation of the West Virginia Geological Survey, Preston
County Report of 1914, geologist David B. Reger visited this mine
and submitted the following:
"Tidal elevation 1475' aneroid; principal office Austen W. Va..;
sales offices at 90 West St., New York, and Land Title Bldg.,
Philadelphia, Pa.; daily capacity, 500 tons; 15 laborers and 74
miners employed; electric haulage; entire product used for coke;
228 bee-hive ovens; 66 percent of coke recovered; coke used for
steel work; butts N78° W; faces N 12° E; greatest rise,
east"
Today little remains of the town of Austen and only these cokes
ovens, located on Raccoon Valley Rd. between Newburg, WV and
Tunnelton, WV, offer testament to the bygone days of WV.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
EBBGONYY
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures