The view looks into the dark mouth of Salt Petre Cave at Natural Bridge, Virginia, a rock opening framed by trees, with a low stone retaining wall and wooden railing along the path in the foreground. Saltpetre from the cave was mined for gunpowder used in the War of 1812 and again in 1862, during the Civil War. Water for processing was piped from Lost River, 400 yards upstream.
Linen texture visible; no white border; printed number 7 at lower right.
Postmark: none. Divided-back Tichnor 'Quality Views' card, printed in blue on cream stock; no handwriting, stamp, or cancellation. Light foxing/toning spots; small pencil dealer mark '#59' lower right. Front is a full-bleed linen-textured color view.
Cite this card
Salt Petre Cave, Natural Bridge, VA, circa 1930, postcard, c. 1930. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/salt-petre-cave-natural-bridge-va-circa-1930. Accessed November 2, 2026.
