Located in Wythe County, Virginia, adjacent to the scenic New River Trail State Park, stands the remarkable Jackson Ferry Shot Tower. This 75-foot limestone structure, completed in 1807 by Thomas Jackson, offers a fascinating look into the early 19th-century process of manufacturing lead shot for firearms.
Unlike the taller brick shot towers more commonly found, the Jackson Ferry tower boasts a unique design. Its construction on a bluff allowed for the creation of an additional 75-foot vertical shaft dug into the ground, achieving the necessary 150-foot drop for the molten lead to form spherical shot. The solid limestone walls provided structural integrity and a consistent cool temperature, crucial for the shot-making process.
The “Drop” Method
The manufacturing process at Jackson Ferry Shot Tower utilized the “drop” method, a technique patented in England in 1769. Here’s how it worked:
- Melting the Lead: Lead, sourced from the nearby Austinville mines, was melted in a kettle at the top of the tower.
- Pouring through Sieves: The molten lead was then poured through sieves with holes of varying sizes, depending on the desired shot size.
- The Long Fall: As the droplets of molten lead fell 150 feet – 75 feet through the tower and another 75 feet down the underground shaft – surface tension caused them to form perfect spheres. The air’s resistance and the extended fall allowed the lead to cool and begin to solidify.
- Water Catch: At the bottom of the shaft, a large kettle of water awaited the falling shot. The water further cooled the lead and provided a gentle landing, preventing deformation.
- Collection and Distribution: Once cooled, the lead shot was collected and transported via a tunnel to the riverbank, where it was loaded onto boats for distribution to frontier settlers.
The Jackson Ferry Shot Tower stands as one of the few remaining examples of this once vital industry in the United States. Although its products weren’t directly used in major US wars, it played a crucial role in supplying ammunition for frontier expansion.
Today, the Shot Tower is the centerpiece of Shot Tower Historical State Park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. You can explore the tower, learn about its history through interpretive signs, and even enjoy panoramic views of the New River from the top. The park also provides access to the New River Trail State Park, perfect for hiking and biking.
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