Thomaston in Knox County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
Burning Lime
Thomaston, Maine
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
1. Burning Lime Marker
Burning Lime
"Lime burning" is a misnomer. The process of "burning" (actually heating) limestone releases the water molecule from limestone. A major industry in Thomaston, limestone was quarried, broken into small pieces and heated by very hot wood fires to create lime, a product used in making plaster and concrete. Lime also reduces the acidity of soil. Transporting lime from Thomaston to distant ports was extremely dangerous. Lime has a strong affinity for water and reacts to it releasing a great deal of heat. It can smolder for weeks, then break out in flames starting a shipboard fire. Many ships and men were lost at sea because of this hazardous cargo. Very high fees could be demanded because it was so dangerous to transport. Ship captains and sailors were willing to take the high risks in the hope of making a fortune. The very considerable amount of wood needed for the fires provided much income to local farmers. In 1828, 160 limekilns were operating in Thomaston. Imagine the smoke!
Les fours à chaux
Au 19ème siècle, les fours à chaux sont le symbole d'une industrie locale très prospère. La pierre à chaux est extraite
this page online
Erected by The Museum in the Streets. (Marker Number 22.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 44° 4.337′ N, 69° 10.929′ W. Marker is in Thomaston, Maine, in Knox County. It is on Water Street near Public Landing, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thomaston ME 04861, United States of America. Touch for
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 15, 2024
2. Burning Lime Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Midcoast Maine and on Penobscot Bay. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Town that Went to Sea / "La Ville Tournée vers la mer" (here, next to this marker); The Toll Bridge and the Busy Harbor in 1890 (here, next to this marker); Sails to Catch the Wind (here, next to this marker); Captain George Waymouth's Landing (here, next to this marker); Montpelier (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); One of the original buildings of the Knox Estate (about 700 feet away); An Overlock House (approx. ¼ mile away); The Wealthiest Man in Town (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thomaston.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
