Walkersville in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Watercress Farming
Wilson T. Carmack of Harmony Grove was known as Maryland's largest watercress grower, having his primary ponds at Fountain Rock from approximately 1916 to 1958. With a sole career of watercress farming, he supported a family of five for many years.
Watercress contains a high content of vitamins A, B, C, and several minerals, therefore, upscale metropolitan restaurants and grocery stores in Washington and Philadelphia sustained a healthy demand for these greens from Frederick county. Working by himself, Carmack delivered thousands of bunches to these cities, though little was sold locally. During the spring peak season, he harvested and sold 3,000 bunches weekly. The watercress was packed in barrels with alternating layers of greens and crushed ice and sold for 2 ˝ to 5 cents per bunch.
The plant thrives only in limestone spring water such as abounds at Fountain Rock. This large operation ceased production with the death of Mr. Carmack in 1959.
Erected by Frederick County Parks & Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 39° 28.546′ N, 77° 22.163′ W. Marker is in Walkersville, Maryland, in Frederick
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boiler House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Quarry (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Fountain Rock Lime Kilns (about 500 feet away); Crusher Shed (about 500 feet away); Inside the Kiln (about 500 feet away); Working the Kilns (about 500 feet away); Chemistry in the Kiln (about 600 feet away); Atop the Kilns (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walkersville.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
