About 1812, workmen from the Saltpetre Cave heard the waters of the Lost River and blasted the opening seen today. A water main was attached to carry water to the hoppers and kettles used to extract nitrate from the cave. In later years, according to legend, several unsuccessful attempts were made to locate the Lost River's underground channels, but colored dyes and flotation devices of all types failed to determine the source and final destination of this mysterious subterranean river.