Near Leadore in Lemhi County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Viola - The Mine
Nicholas - The Town It Created
The Nicholia Ranch is on the site of Nicholia, once home to the miners and smelter workers. Two log building at the ranch are all that remain of a town of 1,000 people. A side road leading out of the ranch leads to smelter Gulch. The smelter is marked by a slag pile and excavation along the ridge.
A short distance beyond the smelter, a rough dirt road (not recommended for sedans) leads to the Viola Mine.
The mine is located in the saddle of the mountains at an elevation of 8,700 feet. During the 1880’s, ore was moved to the smelter at the foot of the hills via tramway. Remains of the tram can be seen along the ridge north of the road to the mine.
As you look across the valley try to imagine what it must have been like hauling the charcoal, by wagon, from the kilns, traveling as fast as possible to the smelter. If the charcoal was not allowed to cool long enough it would burst into flames.
A round trip was made from the kilns to the smelter each day. All would go well as long as the charcoal was cold, but a “hot load” called for quick dumping.
Erected by Targhee National Forest.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 44° 18.712′ N, 113° 10.739′ W. Marker is near Leadore, Idaho, in Lemhi County. Marker can be reached from Forest Road 533 near Highway 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. Brick (a few steps from this marker); The Back Door (within shouting distance of this marker); Kilns (within shouting distance of this marker); Charcoal (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood (within shouting distance of this marker); Preserve and Protect (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Once Upon a Time (about 500 feet away); Cote's Defile (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leadore.
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 512 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.