Belger-Cahill Lime Kiln

Jun 5

In 1887, J.J. Belger and James D. Cahill constructed a lime kiln from rough-cut limestone blocks lined with fire bricks at the foot of a natural limestone outcrop on the outskirts of San Marcos. Here, they extracted and burned limestone, producing 100 to 120 barrels of lime per day for agriculture and building construction. The kiln supplied mortar for numerous local structures, including the Hays County Courthouse, supporting the building boom and prosperity that San Marcos enjoyed at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. By 1910, the kiln had ceased operations due to the availability of cheaper lime elsewhere. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Today, the Belger-Cahill Lime Kiln is in need of restoration. Vegetation should be removed, stone walls should be stabilized, and damaged areas need to be repaired. This work should be guided by a conservation plan to identify appropriate measures to ensure that this rare artifact of San Marcos’s industrial history is saved. Additionally, the kiln’s proximity to existing nature trails can facilitate public education and understanding of the area’s broader cultural landscape.