Jim:

If the property was ever surveyed for a patent, there should be good 
descriptions of the improvements.  I have found the Mineral Survey notes to 
be, ocassionally, quite useful.  PXRF studies of the areas directly adjacent 
and downslope MIGHT be helpful in determining if they are the bases for a 
boiler or some other structure that required a substantial foundation.  I 
couldn't open the photos so I may be way off on that.  Look inside of the 
structures for chemically altered rock lithologies or evidence of glazing. 
Good luck!  Don't call them ceremonial structures! I have seen plenty of 
mystery structures in my 35 years dealing with mining and industrial sites! 
Miners only worship money, beer, whiskey and women!  Since it is from the 
1850's the boys at Michigan Tech may have an answer for you.  The copper 
mines of the UP of Michigan are from that period and may have similar 
features. Don Hardesty of UNR might also be able to help.

Sincerely,

Rich Lundin BA, MA, RPA, ISAP
Consulting Historical Archaeologist & Remote Sensing Specialist
Director, Wondjina Research Institute
(209) 532-3873
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Bates" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:20 PM
Subject: Historic mine structure identifiecation


>I am trying to identify a stone structures next to two mine shafts on a 
>historic
> mine site on the Sumter National Forest in Oconee County , SC.  The site 
> was
> probably used in the 1850s and contains a couple of deep vertical shafts 
> (15 x
> 15, and 10 x 10) and several adits, trenches and smaller prospecting 
> holes.
> They were probably mining argentiferous galena (silver-lead).  The stone
> sturctures are about 15 feet from the shafts, are mud mortared fieldstone, 
> and
> about six feet square.  They are each located upslope of the shafts on 
> steep
> slopes and do not appear to have associated building foundations.  They 
> look
> like chimneys, but I have not seen soot or any charcoal or slag near the
> chimneys.  Photos are on the attached:
>
> http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/OconeeCountyHistoricMineStructur
> es.shtml
>
> Any Ideas?  Thanks, Jim Bates
>