Klondike Quarry EarthCache
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Located in Klondike Park in St. Charles County. This former quarry
is located about 14 miles south of Hwy. 40 on Hwy. 94.
Klondike Quarry was started in 1898 when the Tavern Rock Sand
Company bought this land. This location is on the eastern end of a
45 mile belt of St. Peter's Sandstone. The St. Peters sandstone was
found well below ground level so the surface rock, Joachim
dolomite, needed to be removed to access the sandstone.
The sandstone was dug and then crushed on site. The crushed
limestone was loaded on railroad cars on the nearby MKT (Katy)
Railroad to ship to various points in the midwest. This crushed
silica sand was useful in the manufacture of glass. The quarry was
shutdown in 1983 when the last glass factory using this silica sand
was closed down.
Logging Requirements
To log this earthcache you will need to answer the following
questions but hiking around the pond at Klondike Park. The walk is
short and 3 informational signs will help you answer these
questions. The first sign is located at the posted coordinates with
the other signs at N38 34.823 W90 50.379 and N38 34.787 and W90
50.382.
1) How far below the original ground level was the St. Peters
limestone located and how thick is the limestone layer?
2) Name 2 things you see that suggest that a quarry used to be
here.
3) What year did production reach its high and how many tons was
mined that year?
4) Name at least two additional uses for the silica sand besides
making glass.
OPTIONAL) Post a picture of yourself anywhere around the
pond.
E-mail me the answers and go ahead and log your visit. You will not
hear from me unless there is a problem. Happy Earthcaching!.
EarthCache placed by a Platinum EarthCache Master.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)