slgwv's photos with the keyword: kilns

Used to make charcoal for smelting silver ore, in Pioche and Bullionville, Nevada, about 20 miles away. The kilns were charged with the local scrub, ignited, sealed almost completely, and allowed to smolder for about 30 days. The inserts show other views, including the interior, as well as an interpretive sign. The kilns were in use till the 1890s, when the smelters in Bullionville shut down.

Panaca Summit Kilns, showing upper loading port on right kiln.

On the Panaca Summit Kilns, courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management.

Note the upper charging port on the kiln at right.

Panaca Summit kilns, Nevada.

Looking toward top portal. Panaca Summit Kilns, Nevada.

Or kiln. One of six--see enclosing photo for details.

Or kilns. Near Ely, Nevada, in the eastern part of the state. These beehive-shaped structures were used to make charcoal for smelting silver ore from the nearby Ward district in the late 1870s. The scrub trees (juniper and piñon pine, primarily) must have been denuded for miles around; it's claimed that the total tree crop from 5-6 acres was needed for one full charge of each oven. At least now, more than a century later, they've grown back. It's also interesting that the ovens have been there long enough that lichen is growing on the stones! The charcoal industry faded, not just because of a dearth of trees, but because the railroad made it possible to bring in cheaper coke. The left inset shows a single oven from the front; the right inset shows a view from inside out the charging portal!