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1990 Map of Ward Charcoal Ovens

Name: 1990 Topographic Map of Ward Charcoal Ovens
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1991
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1991

About this map

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site preserves a vital link to the mining history of the late nineteenth century, where six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens once fueled the silver smelters of the region. The map captures the transition between the high slopes of the Egan Range, partially contained within the Humboldt National Forest, and the broad expanse of the Steptoe Valley.

Evidence of local industry is widespread, from the Ward (Site) settlement and nearby Ward Cem to numerous mine shafts and prospects found along Ward Gulch. The reliance on water in this arid environment is documented by a network of named water sources, including Young American Spring, Millsite Spring, and the grazing lands of Comins Meadow, illustrating the intersection of mineral extraction and ranching life.