In 1870, the Martin and White Company invested money to extract silver ore in the Willow Creek Basin in Nevada. The Ward Charcoal Ovens were built to melt down mineral contents extracted from the Ore. Nearby timber were used to fuel the oven, but operations stopped in 3 short years due to the mines drying up, Although the mining operations have stopped these charcoal ovens were still used by stagecoach bandits as hideaways. The kilns are 30 foot tall and 27 foot wide. Their walls are 20 inches thick and have withstood the test of time for 150 years. To get here, head south from downtown Ely on Highway 50 for about 13 miles.
Visiting the Ward Charcoal Ovens
