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Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln: A Relic of Illinois' Industrial Past

Discover a piece of Illinois' industrial heritage at the Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln, a preserved 19th-century landmark.

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Explore the well-preserved Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln, a historic landmark in Griggsville, Illinois, that showcases the region's 19th-century lime production. This site offers a glimpse into the area's industrial heritage and the ingenuity of early construction and agricultural practices.

A brief summary to Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln Historic Site

  • Griggsville, Illinois, 62340, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for the most pleasant weather and scenic views.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture of the lime kiln and the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Check for local events or guided tours to gain deeper insights into the site's history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach the Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln Historic Site by car, start by heading to Griggsville, IL. From the town center, travel west on IL-107 for about 2 miles. After you pass the intersection with IL-100, continue straight until you arrive at the Griggsville Landing area. Look for signs that will direct you to the Lime Kiln Historic Site, which is located near the riverbank. Parking is available near the site. There are no tolls on this route, and parking is free.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area, you can walk to the Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln. Follow the marked trails within the park towards the Illinois River. The Lime Kiln is located close to the riverbank. The walk is relatively short and offers scenic views of the surrounding nature. There are no entrance fees or other costs associated with walking to the site.

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Discover more about Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln Historic Site

The Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln Historic Site, located near Valley City in Pike County, Illinois, offers a fascinating look into the state's industrial history. As one of the best-preserved periodic lime kilns in Illinois, it stands as a testament to the lime production methods used in the mid-19th century. The kiln is within the Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area. Griggsville Landing, a steamboat stop established in the 1830s, spurred the kiln's construction in the mid-1850s. This landing was a bustling hub with a warehouse, boat yard, hotel, and grist mill. The lime kiln played a vital role in producing quicklime, essential for mortar and plaster in construction before industrialization. Local lore suggests that English stonemason William Hobson utilized the kiln for constructing homes, barns, and stone arch bridges in the region. The kiln's architecture is a notable feature. Built into a river bluff, the structure consists of locally quarried stone without mortar, standing approximately 17 feet tall with a 19-foot diameter and walls three feet thick. The design reflects a periodic kiln, an older technology superior to simpler heap kilns, involving alternating layers of wood and limestone to produce lime. While the lime industry industrialized after the Civil War, rendering the Griggsville Landing Lime Kiln obsolete, it remains a significant historical landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in August 1999 and is one of twelve Pike County sites with this designation. Today, visitors can explore the picturesque site, complete with informative plaques detailing the history of lime production and its importance to the local economy.

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