NE Georgia Lime Kilns Habersham, Stephens and Hall Counties, GA |
All Text & Images: Copyright (2020) |
The Gainesville Marble Belt, consisting of magnesian limestone and dolomite among other minerals, runs from Hall County northeastward into South Carolina, near the Habersham-Stephens County line. Before and after the Civil War, these marbles were burnt for lime at several locations. Remains of a few of these lime kilns can still be found. Lime Kiln 1: I had originally visited this kiln back in the spring, but the lighting was terrible that day... |
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This circular kiln was built into the side of a steep bank. A road was cut in the bank to the top of the kiln for loading. |
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The kiln was originally 19 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter. It was of the "mixed feed" type. |
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While much of the mossy stone structure still stands, the upper section has collapsed within itself. This view of the draw hole reveals the inside filled with rubble. |
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Looking into the circular kiln interior from the top. It is almost completely filled with rubble. |
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A wider view of the kiln |
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It's hard to make out much in this image, but this is part of the adjacent quarried area. |
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The remains of Lime Kiln 2 present a different picture: |
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This kiln was also built into a steep bank, but here, the front walls have collapsed outward. |
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The shape of this kiln appears to have been more oval-shaped than circular. |
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Interior walls of the back section of the kiln, showing the effects of many burnings. |
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Unlike the first kiln, I have not discovered much information about this one. There were two more kilns in the general vicinity which I have not looked for yet. So hopefully, more to come... |