Coke Ovens of Cardiff - Glenwood Springs, CO - Colorado Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

The circa 1888 Cardiff Coke Ovens are associated with the industrial history of the Lower Roaring Fork Valley. The ovens processed coal into coke for use by area smelters, the Grand Junction sugar beet factory, and the Pueblo steel mills of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. The presence of an unusual venting system in three of the ovens may provide clues to the functioning of a subsurface coal ignition system.

The Coke Ovens are a registered National Historic landmark. Also known as the Cardiff Fuel and Coke Ovens, they were registered November 15, 1996 (5GF.461).

An article published on April 20, 1902, in the New York Times entitled "John W. Gates Iron Property" states, "The domestic and locomotive coals of Garfield County are of the finest quality and, while their use is largely restricted to the requirements of the two transcontinental lines following the Grand and to the mining towns on that south side of the range, the mines in operation among the most profitable in the state."

Group or Groups Responsible for Placement: State of Colorado and Garfield County County or City: Garfield County Date Dedicated: November 15, 1996 Check here for Web link(s) for additional information: [Web Link]

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