Madison Saltpeter Cave, Augusta County, Virginia

April 2023

Gate Types: BASIC

Once a show cave, the main entrance was blocked by a cemented rock wall. Immediately after the Commonwealth of Virginia acquired it, they wanted to restore the cave’s ecosystem which was home to its namesake isopod, a federally Endangered species. A highline was used to transport equipment and materials up the steep slope to the entrance. Near the end, we discovered a second entrance that was also rocked up, so we reopened it and gated it as well. This project was a sterling example of cooperation between state agencies and volunteer cavers. All photos © Jim Kennedy.

The horrible old gate after the rock wall was knocked down. It had to be cut up and lowered to the road via the highline.
Once the old gate was gone, we leveled for the new gate and began placing the expanded metal skirting.
Skirting down, the next step was to place the sill.
Columns are then secured to the sill, and hangers are attached for the bars.
Bars are soon cut and placed to be welded to the columns.
The gate will also protect a historic signature by George Washington. Yes, THAT George Washington!
The main gate is almost complete, as the last bars get welded into place.
Meanwhile, at the secondary entrance, teams have been working to restore the opening to it’s former size.
The main gate is done, and now Lydia can devote all her attention to the second gate.
It looks SO much better from the inside than it did before!
We knew that you would want to see a final photo of the main gate also!