Leamington Utah Morrison Charcoal Ovens

Take a break from traveling and dive into the fascinating history along UT-132 with a stop at the Morrison Charcoal Ovens near Leamington. What makes an oven worth putting a pin on a map? These two weathered, beehive-shaped stone structures that stand quietly beside the highway aren't for baking bread. Instead, these large stone ovens generated charcoal during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.

Commissioned by entrepreneur George Morrison and completed in 1882 by stonemason Nicolas Paul, the ovens used the large quantities of wood harvested from the nearby mountains. Teams cut trees into four-foot logs and hauled them to the ovens by mule. Each oven fit around 25 cords of wood and would burn for between six and eight days at a time to produce charcoal, which was then used by nearby smelters, blacksmiths, trains, and others needing a reliable fuel source.

Although four ovens were originally built, only two remain today. Their sturdy limestone construction has allowed them to withstand well over a century of Utah's harsh weather. The ovens stand about 20 feet tall, making them an imposing sight and a great example of the standard charcoal kilns used during the late nineteenth century.

Today, the site makes for a great spot to take a ten-minute break from the road. Whether you're a big history buff or just need to stretch your legs when traveling to Delta or the Little Sahara Recreation Area, the ovens offer a convenient place to stop.

The Historic Information Sign

An informational plaque at the site tells the story of the ovens and the men who built and operated them. The sign contains a wealth of historical detail, but decades of exposure to Utah's sun, wind, and weather have taken their toll. Rust from the metal frame, fading ink, and general wear make portions of the text difficult to read, especially from a standing position.

Visitors may need to step closer or zoom in with a camera or smartphone to fully appreciate the information it contains. Despite its weathered condition, the sign serves as a fitting companion to the historic ovens. It reminds visitors that both the structures and the stories they preserve endure the passage of time.