The Charcoal Kilns were used briefely in the late 1870s. The charcoal was made close to the source of wood and then shipped to the smelters further down the valley. They were restored in the 1970s and are in good condition today. For me the most interesting aspect was the interior acoustics. They have a pitched resonance and standing in the exact center and talking or singing is a unique experience. On a clear day, the High Sierras are clearly visible, including Mt Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 at over 14,500 feet in elevation. |