Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Stinky Stuff
To take advantage of prevailing northwesterly winds, the majority of Frederick's industry was placed here in the southeast sector of the city. Odiferous operations such as canneries, tanneries and mills could be found in this area as early as the 1700's. Factory waste and runoff littered Carroll Creek and the air was often filled with exhaust from locomotives and smokestacks. One more sense to consider was the ambient sound of the place! All in all, this area was a "symphony for the senses." The old industries with their smoke and stench are gone, but structures such as the former Mountain City Mill have been renovated for commercial, non-profit and public use.Birely Tannery
Frederick had several tanneries in operation along Carroll Creek. The most successful was the Birely Tannery. Established around 1820, it was in operation for over 150 years. Raw hides were soaked in a mixture of lime and water to loosen the hair, then scraped clean in a process called "beaming." After soaking again for several months in a water and ground bark solution, the hides were dried, cleaned and oiled. Tanneries supported other town businesses
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Erected by Frederick; Downtown Frederick Partnership; Tourism Council of Frederick County, Inc.; DHCD; Maryland Heritage Area Authority; Preserve America; America's Byways.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.
Location. 39° 24.766′ N, 77° 24.428′ W. Marker is in Frederick, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on South Carroll Street north of East All Saints Street, on the right when traveling north. On the grounds of Carroll Creek Linear Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 46 South Carroll Street, Frederick MD 21701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tanneries (a few steps from this marker); The Story of Community Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Freight Depot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Hill Church (about 400 feet away); The Original C. Burr Artz Library (about 500 feet away); The National Road (about 500 feet away); Civil War Hospital Center (about 600 feet away); Diehl Memorial Fountain (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
