Ashes of Industry: 19th Century Charcoal Production in Northwestern Connecticut

While hiking along the trails in Northwest Connecticut, hikers occasionally come across large raised circular mounds that appear odd and out of place. These 40-foot wide circles are the remains of charcoal hearths on which colliers burned logs to create charcoal used to power Connecticut's nineteenth century iron, steel, and brass industries. At that time, Connecticut's forests would have looked far different after its hills were stripped of trees and wood piled to make charcoal. Charcoal burners, called colliers, arranged the cut wood into particular patterns up to fifteen feet tall, covered the logs with leaves and dirt, and then set fire to the mound so that the wood would bake. After ten to fourteen days, the resultant charcoal was raked out, cooled, and transported by carts along charcoal roads to industrial buyers.
The remains of thousands of old charcoal hearths have been located in Litchfield County and bordering towns. Each hearth contained small remnants of 100 – 150-year-old charcoal. Evidence of collier’s shelters and cooking hearths has also been found. Stonewalls and charcoal hearths are considered archaeological artifacts of past agricultural, industrial and forestry history, but unlike stonewalls, few people are aware of charcoal hearths.
Local historians Peter and Barbara Rzasa will provide a PowerPoint presentation describing the history of local charcoal production in Northwest Connecticut including White Memorial. Learn who built the old hearths, what the charcoal was used for and how charcoal hearths can be found today. Tales of the local colliers will be shared. Samples of 150-year old charcoal will be brought for viewing.
About Peter and Barbara Rzasa: Peter Rzasa earned his B.S. degree in Forest Chemistry from S.U.N.Y. College of Environmental Science. Barbara obtained a B.S degree in art from Southern Connecticut State University and is a retired graphic designer who uses her artistic skills to create nature-based watercolor paintings. The Rzasas’ goal is to encourage people, especially children, to look more closely at our natural and historical world and to become more aware of its hidden wonders.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Carriage House, LUNCHEON INCLUDED!,
All tickets: $25.00,
Please pre-register: https://pci.jotform.com/242345712748157/prefill/6a36f314646161bf1e47ae3d6f05
Registration closes October 19. This program is presented as part of America’s 250th in Litchfield, CT