These stone structures are the remains of historic labor camps occupied during the late 19th century and used as temporary dwellings by immigrant workers completing railroad construction in Ten Mile Canyon. Their architecture was unique: native stone was dry laid or mortared with packed earth to form the walls, roofs were constructed of log and brush, and the rough interiors had dirt floors and a hearth in the corner. At one time more than 50 structures existed in the canyon, housing 100 to 300 laborers. Many dwellings were destroyed or altered in recent years because of increased development, including highway construction.