Old Mine Tunnels Under Webster, North Carolina?

[flex]

I am researching Spanish era mining in the Appalachians, and stumbled across a reference that said that there are several tunnels in the ridge underlying the town of Webster, North Carolina, which bear evidence of having been excavated by metallic tools. The Indians informed early settlers that these tunnels had been made much earlier by white men. Other than the one source, cited below, I've found no other discussion of this.

Has anyone seen any additional information on this legend?

Source: Alley, Felix E. Random Thoughts and the Musings of a Mountaineer. Salisbury, North Carolina: Rowan Printing Company, 1941. p. 247

 

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[DigDug216]

Very interesting. I too read old books about the Carolina's. Maybe we can get together for a treasure hunt sometime?

 

[flex]

Thanks. I'm currently in Italy and probably won't have an opportunity for an on-the-ground hunt anytime soon. Happy, however, to exchange information on old mines in your part of the country. I haven't found anyone who can speak authoritatively about tunnels under Webster, but one person in Franklin recalls there being tunnels in the area when she was a girl.

 

[Ryano]

Old thread but here's a book I found by a local author who (I think) has photos of these tunnels.

https://www.citylightsnc.com/cherokee-little-people-were-real

 

[Rookster]

It is interesting. Thanks.