Sunday, May 31, 2020

Ward Charcoal Ovens

  These ovens are in amazing condition, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Italian masons who built them in the 1870s. The ovens supplied charcoal for the smelters in the silver mining town of Ward located about 2 miles northwest. By 1880 the silver was mined out and a fire destroyed most of the town in 1883.
    A short path from the parking lot leads to the ovens. A network of trails, including an interpretive loop, circle the area.
    The path to the ovens is brick and would be completely accessible if not for the poor condition where it meets the parking lot. The other trails are not accessible due to rough and steep surfaces.
    About seven miles of good dirt road provides access to the site. The last part may get muddy in wet weather. The road is suitable for any RV. The parking lot is large enough for any RV. Park 39.03738, -114.84619
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1gxKwv9ahfkSb9e6MLeSt0hMDxaY&msa=0&ll=39.03751583121591%2C-114.84654286385842&z=19

6 comments:

  1. I looked on the map, that's kind of out in the middle of nowhere!

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    1. Yes, it's hard to believe that a town of 2,000 people was there at one time!

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  2. I thought that I'd read that there was a campground at that spot..Hmmmm.

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    1. It's a state park and it does have a campground but the park was open for day use only when we visited. The campground was opened on May 29 at 50% capacity.

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  3. Hey, we've been there! Very cool place to visit.

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