Greetings to all individuals who are interested in Texas history and archeology. Llano Uplift Archeological Society (LUAS) and Journal of Texas Archeology and History (JTAH) have teamed up to save the chimney at Noah Smithwick's homestead. Located midway between the community of Smithwick and Marble Falls, Texas, this chimney is the last remaining remnant of the homestead built by Noah Smithwick in the mid-1840's.

Unfortunately, after standing proudly near the banks of the Colorado River for over 180 years, erosion around the foundation has caused the two-story chimney to tilt precariously. This condition has noticeably worsened in just the past four weeks, and its collapse is imminent. Immediate action must be taken to prevent collapse.

Phase I, and focus of this fundraising effort, is to raise money to hire an experienced local design-build historic renovation contractor to install a support structure that will stabilize the chimney and halt the further tilting.

Once stabilized, our focus will then move to raise funding (Phase 2) to proceed with documentation, component tagging, deconstructing, and faithfully reconstructing the chimney for posterity on a new permanent foundation.

Beginning in mid-January, we will begin the archeological pedestrian property survey with limited excavation targeting the footprint of the original structure and its likely cistern (Phase 3).

Additionally, we are recruiting individual volunteers to assist with conducting an in-depth archival survey to document the history of the homestead property including the nearby mill built and operated by Noah Smithwick (Phase 4).

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward. Depending on your specific situation, your contribution may be tax deductible going to a 501(c)(3) organization for non-profit purposes.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Help us spread the word and SAVE THE CHIMNEY!