Near Leadore in Lemhi County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Kilns
and How They Were Built
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
1. Kilns Marker
Inscription.
Kilns. and How They Were Built. These are three of the four charcoal kilns that remain of the original sixteen that were once located here. These beehive shaped kilns were constructed of brick and designed to stand 20 feet in both height and diameter. The walls were plastered inside and out, making them a foot or more thick. The structures were bound with heavy steel cables and set on thick stone and brick foundations which were built on a shelf cut into the slope of the draw. Each kiln was built with two doors through which wood was loaded. , None of the remaining four kilns are in their original condition. Bricks have been pried away, leaving the walls thinner and some of the top openings have caved in. , There were also many open pit kilns in this area. Open pit kilns were simply large pits. The pits were filled with wood. After the wood was set on fire, it was covered with dirt. The dirt covering served the same purpose as the brick kiln. If the dirt caved in and the burning wood was not quickly recovered, the entire 40 to 50 cords would burn up.
These are three of the four charcoal kilns that remain of the original sixteen that were once located here. These beehive shaped kilns were constructed of brick and designed to stand 20 feet in both height and diameter. The walls were plastered inside and out, making them a foot or more thick. The structures were bound with heavy steel cables and set on thick stone and brick foundations which were built on a shelf cut into the slope of the draw. Each kiln was built with two doors through which wood was loaded.
None of the remaining four kilns are in their original condition. Bricks have been pried away, leaving the walls thinner and some of the top openings have caved in.
There were also many open pit kilns in this area. Open pit kilns were simply large pits. The pits were filled with wood. After the wood was set on fire, it was covered with dirt. The dirt covering served the same purpose as the brick kiln. If the dirt caved in and the burning wood was not quickly recovered, the entire 40 to 50 cords would burn up.
Erected by Targhee National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 44° 18.686′ N, 113° 10.735′ W. Marker is near Leadore
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, Idaho, in Lemhi County. Marker can be reached from Forest Road 533 near Forest Road 188, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leadore ID 83464, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Back Door (a few steps from this marker); Charcoal (a few steps from this marker); Brick (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood (within shouting distance of this marker); Viola - The Mine (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserve and Protect (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Once Upon a Time (about 400 feet away); Cote's Defile (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leadore.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
2. Kilns Marker
The marker is in from of the nearest kiln.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
3. Charcoal Kiln, note the interior lining
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2017
4. Ceiling of a Charcoal Kiln, note the brick pattern
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2017. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 19, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.