The Mountain Messenger

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Wintergreen Names and Places – The Backcountry

by Josh Palumbo

The Wintergreen backcountry has a history that produces wonderful names and stories showcasing the uniqueness of this property. Below are a few descriptions of names and places adapted from writings by Don Faulkner.

The Mines     In the late 1800's, copper was sought on the very steep east slope of Crawford Knob. It was mined by hand in narrow, short shafts which still exist. The ore was carried out of the mines and loaded onto a shuttle car system in which the weighted car running downhill to the valley pulled the unloaded car back up to the mines. The mines proved unprofitable and were shut down shortly after opening. The mines are located in a lovely depression along a creek bed acting as the home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey and of course bats.

Mayloy's Creek/Falls     This name, now known as Pauls Creek, refers to the water draining the Crawford Knob backcountry. This creek features a series of cascading falls, deep pools, rocky prominences and crystal clear water. This pure water is home to a bountiful supply of native brook trout as well as a variety of darters, dace and minnows. Mr. Mayloy is believed to be the first settler to take up residence along this beautiful creek.

Big and Little Levels     The names for these areas are easily understood once you have walked them. They are unusually large, easily traversed country to be so high in the mountains. Both of these areas were farmed and occupied. The last known occupants, the Pucketts, stayed on the mountain all year, coming down to sell and exchange goods such as buckwheat, hog meat and chestnut for items such as coffee, sugar, coal, oil and salt.

Join Josh on a visit to the Copper Mines on January 18. See the TWNF Calendar for details.

Continue reading the current newsletter (Winter/Spring 2012).