Riverton in Barkhamsted in Northwest Hills Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Demonstration Charcoal Mound

Photographed by Alan M. Perrie, October 8, 2019

1. Demonstration Charcoal Mound Marker

Inscription.
Careful inspection of the ground behind this sign reveals a raised circular mound about 30 feet in diameter, surrounded by a narrow, circular depression. The unnatural shape and bits of charcoal under the leaf layer are the telltale signs of an old charcoal mound. Up to 30 cords of wood were piled high, covered with dirt and leaves, and cooked slowly from within for about two weeks. Approximately 30 bushels of charcoal were produced per cord of firewood. At peak production, it is estimated that 23 square miles of forests were clearcut each year to supply the wood for the charcoal hearths.

This demonstration charcoal mound was restored in September 2017 by the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forest (FALPS) volunteers.

Erected 2019 by FALPS (Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forest) and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 2017.

Location. 41° 55.553′ N, 72° 59.836′ W. Marker is in Barkhamsted in Northwest Hills Region,

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Connecticut. It is in Riverton. It can be reached from East River Road. The marker is located on the Blue Trail 0.1 miles north of the Nature Museum on Greenwoods Road, in Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted CT 06063. The marker is also a 0.3 mile walk from the Barkhamsted Historical Society on 100 East River Road, Barkhamsted CT 06063. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Barkhamsted CT 06063, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Connecticut’s Berkshire Foothills

and in the Litchfield Hills.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Litchfield County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Charcoal Industry (here, next to this marker); Matthies Grove-Peoples Forest / Wild & Scenic Farmington River (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Squire's Tavern (about 700 feet away);

Demonstration Charcoal Mound and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan M. Perrie, October 8, 2019

2. Demonstration Charcoal Mound and Marker

The Bronson Legacy with Connecticut's Parks and Forests (approx. 0.2 miles away); Austin Hawes Memorial Campground (approx. 0.7 miles away); Church Pool (approx. one mile away); Camp White (approx. 1.1 miles away); Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Cellar Holes (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barkhamsted.

Regarding Demonstration Charcoal Mound. This marker is located on one of the 37 current Connecticut State Archaeological Preserves. Barkhamsted is home to 3 of them.

Also see . . .
1. Connecticut's Charcoal Has Stories to Tell, if You Know Where to Look. Connecticut Public Radio website entry (Submitted on October 14, 2019, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)

2. How to make charcoal. Penn State University website entry (Submitted on October 14, 2019, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2019, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 539 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 14, 2019, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.