Burning Lime

Lime burning in Thomaston was actually the heating of quarried limestone, broken into small pieces and fired with very hot wood fires to create lime, which was used in making plaster and concrete and to reduce the acidity of soil. The industry was a major one locally, and the large amount of wood required for the kilns brought much income to nearby farmers. Transporting lime from Thomaston to distant ports was extremely dangerous because lime reacts strongly to water, releasing great heat, smoldering for weeks, and sometimes bursting into flames that caused shipboard fires. Many ships and men were lost at sea carrying this hazardous cargo, yet the danger allowed very high transport fees, leading captains and sailors to accept the risk in hopes of making a fortune. In 1828, 160 limekilns were operating in Thomaston.

Thomaston, Maine · United States