Near Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Prosperity and Power
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 3, 2017
1. Prosperity and Power Marker
The ruins of the Catoctin Manor are a symbol of the wealth and aristocracy originating from early industrial America. Brothers James and Thomas Johnson established Catoctin Furnace in 1774, which was highly successful in producing pig iron. Thomas Johnson would later become the first governor of Maryland.
The Iron Master, foreman of the iron furnace, lived here. Both the elevated placement of the house on the hill and its massive size indicate the status of the Iron Masters supervisory role. By stark contrast, the iron furnace laborers lived in neighboring company constructed single room houses, some of which still remain.
Erected by Catoctin Furnace Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 34.92′ N, 77° 26.061′ W. Marker was near Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. It could be reached from Catoctin Furnace Road (Maryland Route 806) south of Red Bird Lane, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 12700 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont MD 21788, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers.
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Ruins of the Ironmasters House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Bowstring Arch Bridge (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This marker has been replaced by HMDB #184329, "Ironmaster's Mansion".
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 3, 2017
2. Prosperity and Power Marker
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 3, 2017
3. The Ironmaster's House
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 3, 2017
4. Catoctin Manor
in 1781 A.D.
L. Jaques
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, July 3, 2017
5. Catoctin Furnace Ironworks
View of the Catoctin furnace ironworks rural industrial complex, including iron furnace, manor, and buildings. Photo courtesy of Thurmont Historical Society, View more at www.thurmontimages.com.Close-up of photo on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 256 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 20, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
