St. Michaels in Talbot County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Last Bell Foundry
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
Henry McShane started his Baltimore foundry in 1856, and by the late 1800s McShane Bell Foundry employed 90 people and produced tens of thousands of bells and chimes for churches, firehouses, public buildings and fog-alarm bells for lighthouses, steamboats and ships. Now in Glen Burnie, Maryland, McShane Bell Foundry is the only remaining maker of large bells with inside clappers in the US. This one strikes a tone between C and D flat.
This fog bell, inscribed, "U.S.L.H. Establishment" was cast in 1910, just as Congress abolished the United States Lighthouse Board and established the Bureau of Lighthouses under the Department of Commerce. Civilians took over positions formerly held by military officers, many becoming career lighthouses service employees who staffed more than 11,700 navigations aids along the nation's waterways.
Erected by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Communications • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 38° 47.247′ N, 76°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Heard Through the Fog (here, next to this marker); Delaware (here, next to this marker); Iconic Chesapeake Light (a few steps from this marker); Point Lookout Fog Bell Tower (a few steps from this marker); Hooper Straight Light's Twin (a few steps from this marker); Tolchester Beach Bandstand (within shouting distance of this marker); Too Much of a Good Thing (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoration (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Michaels.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
