Sheffield Lime Kiln with Mantua in the background

The Mantua Lime kiln is a typical late 19th century shaft kiln structure which was built into the side of a steep slope near Mantua Utah. It was constructed by local businessman James W. Sheffield of Brigham city in 1892 and operated until ca. 1905-1907. The kiln is a typical example of an industrial structure quite common in Utah during the 1890s, just prior to the time when concrete came into widespread use in building construction. This kiln was locally important in supplying much of the lime used for construction of many residential, municipal and commercial structures in Mantua and Brigham city. It was also one of the only two remaining lime kiln structures in the Brigham city area.

Lime, sand, and water are the core components of lime stucco, lime mortar, and lime-based adobe mixes. These materials are used in various ratios depending on the desired application, with traditional recipes often including additional materials like straw or other fibers for added strength and flexibility. When Mantua was building with lime from the kiln, they would make adobe bricks just South of Big Creek and put them in forms and let them dry there.