From History to Myth and Back Again – The Strange Case of the Swift Silver Mine Legend

Morrison House Presents: Robert A. Prather, Author

Could Robert Louis Stevenson’s most famous literary character, Long John Silver, be based on the life of native Alexandrian Jonathan Swift? Since the late 1700’s areas of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas have been associated with the legendary exploits of one, Jonathan Swift, of Alexandria, Virginia.  The lurid tales about his fabulously rich silver and gold mines have enticed untold numbers to search for his lost treasure source.  The legend of Swift’s treasure is an enduring story that has been told throughout every generation of United States history.  Yet the question has remained unanswered, “Is the treasure real or is it historical propaganda?”

Robert Prather, author of The Strange Case of Jonathan Swift and the Real Long John Silver, says he has found the answer.  In the newest edition of his book the precise location of Swift’s legendary silver mine is revealed.  This is only one of many new breakthrough discoveries about the enigmatic Swift that Prather claims to have made in his new book. The public is invited to learn more about these new discoveries at the Morrison House Hotel on Tuesday, September 4, where Prather will deliver a visual presentation at 6:00pm. After the presentation, Prather will be signing copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.

Robert Prather and his wife Karen live near Garrett, Kentucky and have owned and operated a small business there since 1982.  He is an active member of local historical and archaeological organizations.  As a project Field Editor, Mr. Prather also develops county history books for Acclaim Press. In February of 2012, Mr. Prather was featured on the popular History Channel series, “America’s Book of Secrets”, in the Fort Knox episode.  This episode presented historical information on Alexandria’s most famous silver and gold miner, Jonathan Swift, and produced the highest ratings for the series to date.

More About the Series
This series of monthly talks is sponsored by the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association, the Alexandria Archaeological Commission, and the Morrison House Hotel. The talks take place on the first Tuesday of each month. Cocktails will be available for purchase through The Grille at Morrison House Hotel, and dinner reservations can be made for guests who would like to continue their experience following the event.

About Morrison House
The Morrison House, a Kimpton Hotel, is an elegant boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria.  Named an outstanding hotel on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Gold List, the hotel exhibits the romance of Europe and the charm of Early America through its decorative federalist-style reproductions. The architecture blends into the historic surrounding of Alexandria, while its warmly lit rooms, soft music, and outstanding cuisine define an experience that is graceful and effortless. The AAA Four Diamond property also features The Grille, an intimate restaurant that serves a menu of relaxed American fine dining. The hotel is located at 116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 838-8000.