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 Klondike Quarry - St. Charles County, MO Posted by:  YoSam.
N 38° 34.821 W 090° 50.216
15S E 688415 N 4272427
One of a few markers inside the park explaining where and how the site became what it is now.
Waymark Code: WMK0AA
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 01/24/2014
Views: 1
County of marker: St. Charles County
Location of marker Inside Klondike Park, on MO 94, N. of Augusta
Marker erected by: St Charles County Parks & Recreation
Klondike Park Campground is located on the site of the old Klondike Sandstone Quarry which closed in 1983. Today the old quarry area can be viewed from the trails that run throughout the park.
Marker text: Klondike Park
Klondike Quarry
Turning Rock into Glass
The Klondike Quarry is located near the eastern end of a 45 mile belt outcropping of St. Peter Sandstone that roughly parallels the Missouri River. Within the park, at an approximate thickness of 100 feet, the St. Peter sandstone lies about 85 feet below what was ground level. The sandstone processing began in this area, also known as the top of the stripping level.
Through a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the tailings, or leftover rock, were placed as riprap on the Missouri River. Once the contract was canceled, the tailings were dumped on the east and west side of the quarry. Those tailing piles can still be found within the park today. Some of the rock was used in the construction of the park.
There is still evidence of the quarry history in Klondike Park. The lake, which was formed from the quarrying operation, is surrounded by the bluffs with exposed layers of rock. Likewise, leftover silica sand cand be found throughout the park.
Web link: [Web Link]
History of Mark:
"Located just off the historic Katy Trail and hailed as an innovative addition to the county park system, Klondike Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreationalists, families, and scout troops. The park was once the site of a silica sand quarry but the area has been restored to its natural habitat. Klondike Park features a modern conference center, picnic shelters, camper cabins and primitive camping spaces, a fishing lake, and a bluff that overlooks the surrounding Missouri wine country.
"The land was originally owned by Wilhelm (William) Engelage, a farmer from Prussia. In 1898, the Tavern Rock Sand Company bought a portion of the property and began Klondike Quarry. The silica sand mined from this quarry was mixed with soda and limestone to create glass products. The top layer was used to make amber glass because of its yellow, clay-stained color, while clear glass was made from the white sand found below 18 feet. Production reached a peak in 1945 when 233,420 tons of sand were exported from the quarry to meet the demands caused by World War 2. The quarry was permanently shut in 1983.
"The park is home to the Curt Loupe Conference Center which is available for rental throughout the week and accommodates up to 115 guests. Multiple rooms, vaulted ceilings, a kitchen, and a patio overlooking the park allow for both formal and informal events, as well as corporate retreats and presentations.
"The park features six camper cabins that provide a sturdy roof and dry beds and sleep up to eight. Restrooms and a shower house are located nearby. Advanced reservations are required for the cabins. For a true camping experience, tent sites are available. Primitive sites offer tent space, a table, and a fire ring. Basic sites provide a tent pad, covered table, fire ring, and lantern post. Advanced reservations and walk-ins (on a space-available basis) are welcomed. Three picnic shelters at Klondike Park are available for rental and accommodate up to 100 guests each.
"A bluff near the Curt Loupe Conference Center provides an overview of the park, Katy Trail, Missouri River valley, and the surrounding countryside. The area is also perfect for star gazing, wildlife and foliage viewing, and photography. Klondike Park offers numerous trails, which make the park a preferred choice for hikers and bicyclists. Approximately one mile of paved trail and four miles of natural trail wind through the wooded and rugged terrain. The park’s proximity to the Katy Trail makes Klondike Park a convenient stopping point for picnics, showers, or camping along the route. In addition to its picturesque lake stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish, Klondike Park offers access to the Missouri River and its many recreational opportunities. Boaters may use the loading ramp - located north of the park entrance - while others can travel the short path to the Katy Trail and the river bank. Fishing within the park is catch-and-release only."
~ Great River Road
Additional point: Not Listed
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