Near Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

REPLACED

CHECK OTHERS NEARBY

Raceway and Dam

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

1. Raceway and Dam Marker

Inscription.
Parts of Little Hunting Creek were diverted to suit the needs of the iron furnace and surrounding businesses. You are overlooking the emergency spillway which diverted excess water to Little Hunting Creek. The dam is in the background and the raceway flowed off to the left just behind the dam.

Raceways and dams were used to channel and control the flow of water so its energy could be used more efficiently. Water turned the waterwheel which powered the bellows of the first furnace.

Erected by Catoctin Furnace Historical Society. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 34.984′ N, 77° 26.06′ 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 south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 12731 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont MD 21788, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: The Bridge that Moved (here, next to this marker); Powered by Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Waste Management (within shouting distance of this marker); A Lost Pond (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hidden Labor (about 300 feet away); Ironmaster's Mansion (about 400 feet away); From Mules to Motors (about 400 feet away); Recreation For All (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmont.

Other markers no longer nearby. Bowstring Arch Bridge (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Slag Heaps (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

2. Raceway and Dam Marker

marker now near it); Ruins of the Ironmaster’s House (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Prosperity and Power (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.