History of Basalt | Basalt, CO
History of the Basalt Kilns. The construction of the kilns dates back to the early 1880s, a time of great change and dynamic growth in the Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, and neighboring river valleys. Towns were being formed, prospering, and disappearing throughout the region. Aspen's population was 900 in 1880, and incorporated in 1881.