Laurel Falls Mill EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

gpsfun: As there's been no cache to find for months, I'm archiving it to keep it from continually showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements. If you wish to repair/replace the cache sometime in the future, just contact us (by email), and assuming it meets the guidelines, we'll be happy to unarchive it.

More
Hidden : 6/18/2015
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


This is an earthcache, there is no physical container at the posted coordinates, instead, read the following description to learn how to earn credit to log this cache. This cache is located in Gibson Pond Park. There is plenty of parking in the park for when you arrive. Please note the hours of this park are 9:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week. There are walking trails, picnic shelters, and restrooms available. Non-motored boats are allowed, and fishing is allowed as well. Enjoy this beautiful area!


History:

Gibson Pond figured prominently in the town of Lexington's Civil War history. When Union forces occupied Lexington in February 1865, the pond, known then as Laurel Falls, was the site of an 8-spindle 3-loom cotton mill, which had been making Confederate uniforms and other military cloth goods.

The Laurel Falls mill was owned by Sam George, who moved in 1848 to Lexington from Cedar Creek. George's mill was on the same spot where a 500-spindle 16-loom mill owned by the Laurel Falls Manufacturing Company had been until destroyed by fire in 1852.

During the 3-4 days that General Hugh J Kilpatrick's calvary and Major General Henry W Slocum's 14th and 20th Infantry Corps were in Lexington, Sam George's mill was burned to the ground along with the courthouse, St Stephen's Lutheran Church and several private homes.

George's son, Erby Joel George, a boy of 13 who was taken prisoner by Union forces during the occupation of Lexington, built a flour mill and saw mill there in 1884. The flour mill was destroyed by fire in 1918 and was rebuilt and continued in operation until 1965.

The George family opened the pond to the public as a recreational area around 1925. A two-story wooded pavillion was erected . There was swimming, boating, fishing, picnic areas, campgrounds and dancing. It was even used for wedding receptions. If you came dressed in your bathing suit admission was free; otherwise you were charged 10 cents for use of the bathhouse.

Bright-colored Model Ts parked on each side of Gibson Road any weekend during the summer. The pond was the setting for 12 and 15 table bridge parties.

When M S Gibson bought the property in 1943 from the Georges, he continued to operate it as a recreation area, adding some rental cottages.

The pond was closed to the public in 1971. Gibson Pond was purchased by the Town of Lexington to help meet the water demand of one of South Carolina's fastest growing areas. The pond has since re-opened to the public.

Geology:

Often, the location for these types of mills was chosen due to an already existing natural stream or pond. Which is determined by the geological layout of the area. The rock beneath the area is what turned it into a pond in the first place. Then dams were built, water was diverted, and construction of the main mill and all surrounding buildings greatly altered the natural geology of the area in many ways.
It could unearth geological features you may otherwise have never seen, like mineral veins. When the rock was mined to make the dam or nearby structures, these unique pockets of crystallized minerals could be exposed. In this area, they were most commonly quartz, but could contain other minerals, even gold!
For the same reason as the unearthing of these veins, sometimes xenoliths could be exposed as well, although this is less common.
Another unique geological occurrence caused by the use of these areas in the construction of mills are "potholes" or "kettleholes". While these do occur naturally in many rivers, bogs, or other areas with draining water, the reason for them occurring in a spot like this is because when the dam redirects the water, natural sediment, or debris from the mining/construction can get trapped in natural contours in the rock surface, and with time, eventually wear down into these unique looking holes!
As with most mill pond locations, here at Gibson pond you will see many excellent examples of these geological features. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with these features, then try to identify some of them!

The Cache:

Now that you've learned a little about the wide variety of unique features that can be found at a mill pond creek, head to the posted coordinates. Here you'll find a beautiful overlook deck. Most of the answers can be found found from up here, but if you'd like, head down the stairs and walk around on the rocks to get a better view of the incredible rock formations here! When you're ready answer these questions, and send me your answers in email:

1) Find the largest mineral vein you see. How long/wide do you estimate it to be?

2) Find the largest pothole/kettlehole you see. Estimate the depth and circumference.

3) Give 3 examples of visible signs of man-made interference with the natural rock formations that you observe.

4) *Optional* Post a picture of yourself at this amazing location.

*Bonus* Can you find a xenolith anywhere in the surface of the rocks around you? If so, feel free to include it in your email, or post a picture with your log!

Anyone who does not answer these questions and send me an email within a week of logging their visit, may have their log deleted.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



Advertising with Us

Inventory

There are no Trackables in this cache.

View past Trackables

What are Trackable Items?

Bookmark Lists

View all bookmark lists...