Much of the ore from the mine in Gilmore was now being sent to this new smelter by mule team and wagons. These towns gradually grew. By 1889, there were 1500 people in Nicholia. There was also a row of 16 charcoal kilns nearby to provide fuel for the smelter. But the smelter eventuall burnt down and was not rebuilt. For a while, ore was hauled to montana for smelting. In 1910, the Gilmore and Pittsburg Railroad was built up the valley to Gilmore. Now the ore could be shipped by train. As a result, mining became more profitable than before and production increase tremendously.
Between 1882 and 1894, these mines produced 25% of all of the lead mined in the U.S. These mines completely closed down by the time of the Great Depression. Quite a few good buildings still stand today, including four of the original kilns near Nicholia.
From Idaho Falls, take I-15 north to exit 143 (Highway 33). Take Highway 33 west 14 miles to the junction with Highway 28. Take highway 28 northwest about 50 miles to the charcoal kiln site of Nicholia off the west side of the highway. There shopuld be signs. Gilmore is a couple miles to the northwest.