The time table that I see for the development of Spotswood’s "Tubal" furnace is as follows:
1717: I suspect that the Germans had discovered iron ore before Spotswood said that he put his Germans to work searching for the ore. When Sir Richard wrote circa December of 1717, I believe that Spotswood knew there was iron ore in the approximate vicinity of, but not immediately at, Germanna.
1718: The Germans develop the iron mines at a cost upwards of sixty Pounds Sterling. The activity was probably not a full time one as they had to farm to have food to live on. There were, in theory, still Rangers so some of the men probably remained near the Fort while others went to the mine area about twelve miles away. Later in the year, they may have been assigned to other tasks besides iron.
1719: Early in the year, the Germans leave Fort Germanna.
1720: The Iron Mine Tract is patented by Spotswood and partners.
1721: William Byrd testifies (November 10) in London that Virginia could produce iron. This is an ambiguous statement where the "could" might mean that it would be possible if they tried. Or it could mean that they had already smelted iron. We must remember that Byrd owned land with iron ore on it which he wanted developed. So was he trying to get people in England interested in producing iron? I suspect that trial runs had been made at the Tubal furnace, but problems had occurred.
1722: Production commences but is limited in quantity. The Rev. Hugh Jones in his book, " The Present State of Virginia ", wrote, "This iron had been proved to be good, and it is thought, will come at as cheap a rate as any imported from other places, so that 'tis to be hoped Colonel Spotswood's works will in a small time prove very advantageous to Great Britain . . ." There is a tentative note with hopes for the future here.
1723: Sixteen tons were shipped by Spotswood to England. In this year, Lt. Gov. Drysdale of Virginia, wrote to the Board of Trade and Plantations, "I judge it part of my duty to inform your Lordships of an affair, that is at present the common Theme of peoples Discourses, and employs their thought. Coll. Spotswood's Iron workes: he had brought it to that perfection that he now sells by public auction at Williamsburg, backs and frames for Chymnies, Potts, doggs, frying, stewing and baking panns . . ."
1724: 203 tons of cast iron were shipped to England. This suggests limited production in 1723, with much better results in 1724. Spotswood feels confident enough to go to England in the Summer/Fall of the year. Unfortunately, he leaves the iron works in the hands of a poor manager.
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.