Charcoal kilns once dotted Nevada. Converting wood into charcoal was a more efficient way of powering smelters. The most famous charcoal kilns are the Ward Charcoal Kilns, at the base of the Egan Range, south of Ely.
Ward Mining District
In 1872, freighters searching for oxen discovered silver ore in the Willow Creek Basin. Individual prospectors worked claims until Martin & White Company of San Fransisco purchased multiple claims in 1875.
The small mining camp of Ward developed at the base of the mountains. The town boomed in 1876, with a population of 1,500. The town was a “lawless mining camp” with murders and vigilante justice. Residents established a school in an abandoned house but never felt the need for a church.
Ward Charcoal Kilns
The Martin & White Company constructed six charcoal kilns to process ore locally in 1876. Charcoal is more efficient for smelters. It burns slowly and hot and is lighter to transport.
Italian masons built the stone kilns. The kilns are 30 feet tall and 27 feet wide.
Each kiln firing required 6 acres of trees and burned for twelve days. Every two weeks, the six kilns required 36 acres of trees. The trees were gone within three years, the silver boom busted and the kilns last fired in 1879.
Ranchers and prospectors used the kilns for shelter. Reportedly, stage robbers used the kilns as a hideout.
In 1965, the C.B. Land and Cattle Company gave Nevada State Parks a permit to protect the ovens. The land and kilns were donated to the park system in 1968.
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Anonymous says
Those kilns are a great reminder of how far we have come technologically.
Tami says
I didn’t think of it that way but it is a great point.
Lynn Johnson says
Truely amazing how well they’ve lasted over the years. I’ve seen (and you’ve probably seen many more than me) so many in very sad shape.
As always, I appreciate you sharing your adventures!
Tami says
Thanks Lynn. I suspect state parks has been taking care of these. There are a few intact ones around the state, but at best it is 1 and the others collapsed. I visited a few in Utah which were great, but they were also at historical parks.
John Harmon says
These ovens are in great shape. Really very interesting ! Bayhorse Ghost town in Idaho also has a few ovens, some in good shape, some not ! If your ever in central Idaho, you should check it out ! It’s protected by the state and is very nice !
Tami says
I suspect the state has them in a state of arrested decay.
I have seen pictures of Bayhorse but never visited. I need to get back to Idaho, my old stomping ground.