Timber slide

Timber Slide

A timber slide in operation, 1901

A timber slide is a structure built to facilitate the transport of logs past obstacles in a river, such as rapids or waterfalls. These slides were an essential part of the logging industry, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when rivers were the primary means of transporting logs from forests to sawmills.

History

Timber slides were developed in response to the need for efficient log transportation. As the demand for lumber grew, so did the need to move large quantities of logs quickly and safely. The first timber slides were simple wooden chutes that allowed logs to bypass dangerous sections of a river.

Construction

Timber slides were typically constructed from wood, using large beams to create a smooth, sloped surface. The slide would be built alongside the river, with one end higher than the other to allow logs to slide down by the force of gravity.

Operation

Logs would be guided into the slide by log drivers, who used long poles to maneuver the logs into position. Once in the slide, the logs would travel at high speed, often creating a dramatic spectacle as they splashed into the water below.

Decline

The use of timber slides declined with the advent of railroads and trucks, which provided more efficient means of transporting logs over long distances. Additionally, the construction of dams and reservoirs altered many river systems, making traditional log driving and the use of timber slides less feasible.

Legacy

Today, timber slides are largely a historical curiosity, but they remain an important part of the history of the logging industry. Some slides have been preserved as historical sites, offering a glimpse into the past methods of log transportation.

Related pages

• Log driving
• Logging
• Sawmill
• River