(9) “Burtons Mount”

c. 4 July 1608

Triangle, VA

About

Smith ascended Aquia Creek and went overland to visit the “matchqueon” mine following reports by the Patawomeck Indians, who used it as body paint. He suspected it to be antimony.

*The site of Burtons Mount with Chopawamsic Creek below.*

*Quantico slate can be crushed in the palm of the hand.*

*The cross team with Colonel William C. Bentley lll, commander of Marine Corps base Quantico, stand behind the newly planted Captain John Smith stone marker. (Photo: Cpl. AaRron Smith)*
*This photo was taken at a specific event on 21 Oct. 2020 and does not imply or constitute United States Marine Corps endorsement of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Trail Cross Markers.*

Siting

Siting of the “matchqueon" mine is by the unmistakable presence of the most friable form of the material known as Quantico slate in the bank of Chopawamsic Creek between present i95 south-bound and Russell Rd. The original cross was apparently placed on the bluff immediately above. Because this is within the Marine Corps training area and off limits to the public, our granite marker was placed 3 miles away at the Iwo Jima Memorial.

Visit

Military reservation, USMC Quantico, grounds of the Iwo Jima Statue

Access is by land with curb parking.

GPS Coordinates

38.5456, -77.3361

N38°32’44”

xW77°20’10”