These walls were constructed between the early 1920s and the mid 1960s, many of them make-work projects, a legacy of the Dirty Thirties. They show varying methods and styles of construction which changed with the times. Some were dry laid, without mortar, while most were set in mortar. The walls employing larger rocks indicate their construction in later periods, when more and larger equipment became available to the stone masons.
The city has recently placed bronze plaques at strategic points throughout the city which indicate the date of construction of particular walls and the names of the stone masons who laid them. This is a wonderful way to commemorate these stone masons from yesteryear and the legacy they have left behind for future generations.
Smelter Hill Rock Wall constructed in 1944 is behind McDonald on Hwy. 3B/Victoria Street. It is one of the taller walls in Trail at about 12 feet at the highest point and tapers down to about 1 foot.
Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company (COMINCO) is situated high above this wall.
Earlier years: (20s – early 40s)
• dry-stacked, no mortar, small rocks, easily shaped and lifted by hand.
• mortared rock, simple detailing, many cracked and deteriorating.
• dry-stacked slate, or round rocks, loosely laid or embedded in cement.
Middle years: (40s – early 50s)
• dry-stacked, larger granite chunks, some drill holes, hand-hewn,
moved with muscle, crow bars and an old bear paw crane.
Later years: (50s – 60s)
• large boulders, more evidence of drilling; muscle and crow bars,
larger unit crane and shovel.
• private mortared walls with refined detailing.
• split river rock and mortared walls.