Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The N°3 pillar is one of eight columns, known as "columns" or Guidon columns, erected in the 19th century at the main crossroads of the lime forest. Aligned from west to east along its central road, they served as geographical landmarks in this massif of 20,493 hectares, the second largest hardwood forest in France. Today, seven of these pillars remain, with pillar 7 being removed. They were listed as historical monuments in 2013.

The lime forest, located east of Dole in the departments of Jura and Doubs, is an almost continuous forest area, marked by a history linked to the exploitation of wood (burners, coal miners, glassworks, forges). Its basement, consisting of pliocene stones, and its dense hydrographic network make it a unique ecosystem, classified as ZNIEFF and Natura 2000. Terminal No. 3, like its counterparts, symbolizes the human development of this forest territory.

The forest once housed a population of 600 loggers in the early 19th century, as well as industrial activities such as the glass factory of La Vieille-Loye (1295–1931). The column terminals, located at the strategic crossroads, facilitated management and direction in this vast federal area, now managed by the NFB. Their preservation bears witness to the historical importance of the forest, between economic exploitation and natural heritage.

The forest of Chaux is also known for its singularities, such as the sacred oaks (associated with statuettes of the Virgin) or the logger hamlets, including that of the Baraks of 14 near the Old Loye. These elements, coupled with the bounds-columns, illustrate the close relationship between man and the forest since the Middle Ages, between myths, exploitation and preservation.

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