Tucked beneath the hills of Rosendale sits Widow Jane Mine, an abandoned cement site whose stone entrance still lures people in. Today, visitors gather underground, beneath its towering limestone walls, for concerts, performances and cultural events.
The Cement That Built New York City
Two centuries ago, Rosendale was a quiet Hudson Valley town far from the national spotlight. That changed in 1825, when workers discovered large deposits of dolomite limestone beneath the area. The stone proved ideal for natural cement, and the town soon became the center of a booming industry.
By the end of the 19th century, Rosendale became synonymous with cement production. In fact, more than one-third of the nation’s cement plants were located in the district.
The material was used in the construction of some of the country’s most recognizable structures, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Washington Monument, the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and portions of the Capitol.
For a town that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, Rosendale left its mark in stone.
A Mine Repurposed
After mining operations ceased in 1970, Widow Jane Mine entered another chapter of life. Rather than disappearing into obscurity, the site took on a new purpose as a performance venue and recording studio.
The stone walls create natural acoustics that allow even the smallest sound to echo through the cavern. Its room-and-pillar construction gives the space the feel of an enclosed amphitheater, while a gently sloping floor provides clear a sight line to the natural stage. An eerie black pond serves as an otherworldly backdrop, with light filtering through openings to the surface.
By 1996, the mine’s potential as a performance venue was beginning to take shape. The now-infamous “Rave in the Cave” drew more than 3,000 attendees, proving its strange appeal.
Another Season Underground
Today, the 19-acre property is managed by volunteers at the Century House Historical Society. Among them is John Hogan, who shared with NYS Music that preserving the mine is about more than protecting its history. It is also about keeping the site open for the community to enjoy.
It’s an important part of local history. There are still people in the area who are descended from the miners and workers who helped produce that cement.
– John Hogan, site volunteer
This season, Widow Jane Mine will host another lineup that carries forward the experimental, atmospheric spirit that made it a local legend. Returning acts include Gratefully Yours and the Subterranean Magic Lantern Show, a performance that pairs historic projection techniques with live music from composer Jeremy D. Slater.
Also featured is Taiko Masala, a traditional Japanese drumming troupe whose return marks its 30th anniversary performing there. A member of the group told NYS Music, “The combination of the historic setting, dramatic atmosphere, and close connection between performers and audience makes every performance at Widow Jane Mine special.”
Fingerstyle guitarist Henry Ferland will also make his Widow Jane Mine debut this season. Ferland shared with NYS Music that his set will draw from old country music and coal miner songs inspired by the site’s history. He describes the cavern’s natural echo and reverb adding another layer to the performance.
What was once carved out for industry now holds music, memory and community inside its cavern walls. That is the staying power of Widow Jane Mine, the local legend north of New York City.
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