From Mining Town to Hiking Trail

When you hike any of the beautiful trails in the Stuart’s Knob Trail System at Fairystone State Park, it’s fun to imagine what took place there over a century ago. Today’s fantastic trails were once home to a bustling mining operation. The mine is closed off now but you can still peak inside.

Virginia Ore & Lumber Corp

Iron was mined in the hill directly across the road from Fairystone Lake from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. For almost 100 years, miners used picks and shovels to get the job done. There were little changes in how the work was completed until about 1905 when the steam engine arrived. In 1906, the Virginia Ore & Lumber Corporation was formed. The company modernized the operations and miners began using jackhammers powered by compressed air. Cable cars ran to the processing plant at the base of the hill. It suddenly became a top notch, modern facility employing hundreds of men. Stuart’s Knob and the mine took off.

What a Blast

Suddenly, the little community of Fayerdale, population 100, grew almost overnight to a town of 2,000 people thanks to the mine, Virginia Ore & Lumber, and the steam engine. (Where the town is now is another story for a future post.) Anyway the community grew like crazy with a post office, a depot for Norfolk & Western Railroad, a store, a blacksmith shop, and even a doctor’s office. The place was hopping and all of the growth happened very quickly. Over 400 miners lived there as did over 1,000 lumber and railroad employees.

That was Fast

Just as things were really moving, everything suddenly stopped. In 1911, processed iron was available for the same price Virginia Ore & Lumber was charging for raw iron ore. That was the kiss of death for the business, the mine, and the miners. Mining operations ceased. People moved away and by 1920 the community of Fayerdale was no more.

Fairystone Now

In 1933 the land was donated to the Commonwealth of Virginia to be included in the new state park system. Stuart’s Knob, where the mine is located is now a system of trails that is absolutely beautiful. There are several look-outs where you can get a great view of Fairystone Lake or other parts of the park.

There’s a parking area at the trail head. The maps and directions there are excellent. Signs along the trails explain the story of Stuart’s Knob, the mine, and the community of Fayerdale.

See any Miners?

According to the signage in the area, there are many clues left behind that tell the hiker there once was a working mine at Stuart’s Knob. As you walk, it’s easy to imagine the mine in operation and the miners and cable cars going up and down the hill. Enjoy the hike!