I had planned on writing a lengthy piece on the dramatic death of Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard), but as I began to research his nemesis, Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood, I found something far more closer to home. As I live in Spotsylvania, more specifically, Massaponax, I am intrigued to know that our little corner of the county, probably best known for that famous photo series taken of Union General U.S. Grant and staff at Massaponax Church, was home to the first purpose-built foundry in the British North American Colonies. Constructed in the early 1700's, Gov. Spotswood’s double-air furnace was used to recast pig iron produced at Tubal into final shapes (kettles, andirons, firebacks, etc. and possibly cannon). As this forgotten gem appears to be in my own backyard, I am now forgoing the pirate piece in favor of locating and photographing this location. I may shoot some video as well to share here. According to a book titled The Scottish soldier abroad, 1247-1967  by Grant G. Simpson: