Hells Bells and the Smelter Stack

Part of the mining legacy of Greenwood "Hells Bells" refers to the slag deposits from the smelter. The BC Copper company Smelter was erected in 1901 and operated until 1918. Abandoned since that time, it's huge slag pile and tall brick chimney provide a landmark of the city. Technically located in the town of Anaconda.

A good view from Smelter Viewpoint Road

During it's heyday, the Greenwood smelter refined copper ore and produced huge amounts of slag which were deposited along the edge of what is now Highway 3 which runs through the middle of town. It's essentially the main street of Greenwood. Smelter was made from 1/4 million bricks. Stands high and proud and is a testament to it's builders.Look for it when you see the smelter stack on you way between Greenwood and Midway.

The slag which was made up of hot molten rock was collected in large "bell" shaped pots which retained their shape as they cooled before they were dumped. Their name came from the sight of hot molten rock being poured out at night as in many ways it would have resembled a lava flow. (How much slag would have been produced in a day back then? What is it composed of?

It makes for interesting walking (show sample) (are you allowed to walk around this area?) Best point to access the site ?

You can access it just past the base of Washington Street where it intersects with Gold Street., just along the road to the old mining area. Look left and you'll see it.

"Hell's Bell's Comfort Food is just about where you can see the bell shaped

The City of Greenwood is in the process of restoring and stabilizing the site as a tourist area and making it safe and interesting for visitors 1.

People wonder about the impact of the slag on the environment. The slag is for the most part safe when in it's glassy form ,and poses minimal dangers to the environment. Very different from mine tailings which have many different problems. For several decades however after the mine was in operation, there was very little that grew in the area.

Greenwood's most recent claim to fame is that it has the "best water" in the world."

1 City of Greenwood project: BC Copper Co. Smelter Ruins Preservation and Rehabilitation.

2 Off the Beaten Path with Chris and Connie 1990

Water testing info needed.