Greenwood Gold Mine facts for kids

The Greenwood gold mine was a place where people dug for gold in Prince William County, Virginia, United States. It was located near a town called Independent Hill. This mine operated for only a few years before it closed in 1885. It was one of the only gold mines known in Prince William County.

What Was the Greenwood Gold Mine?

The Greenwood gold mine was a small but important gold mining site. It was one of only two known gold mines in Prince William County. Another place where a little gold was found was the Crawford placer prospect. Small amounts of gold were also sometimes found at the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine in nearby Dumfries.

Where Was the Mine Located?

The Greenwood mine was found at the start of the North branch of Quantico Creek. Today, this area is part of Prince William Forest Park. It is near where Aden and Bristow Roads meet, in the far northwest part of the park. The mine was located along a special area called the Virginia Gold-Pyrite belt. This belt stretches across many counties in Virginia, from the northeast to the southwest.

How Did They Mine for Gold?

Mining at Greenwood involved digging at least one deep shaft into the ground. Miners also used a special machine called a stamp mill. This machine would crush rocks to get the gold out. They also used a process called amalgamation with mercury to separate the gold. Mercury is a liquid metal that can stick to gold.

What Happened After Mining?

The mining operations at Greenwood caused a lot of pollution from mercury. This mercury pollution affected Quantico Creek. Because of this, the mine area has been completely cleaned up. This process is called reclamation.

Cleaning Up the Mine Site

During the cleanup, the mine shafts were sealed up. Dirty soil was removed or cleaned. Any leftover mining waste, called tailings, was also taken away. The area around the old mine is now watched carefully. Special wells check the groundwater to make sure it is clean. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) also has two active wells downstream to monitor the water.

Can You Visit the Mine Site Today?

As of 2010, you can't see much of the old mine. The only signs left are a few dips in the ground. You might also see some special drains that were built during the cleanup. There are no old buildings or mining equipment left. The National Park Service manages Prince William Forest Park. You need to pay a fee to enter the park. Also, visitors are not allowed to collect rocks or minerals from the park.