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

Little Hunting Creek

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

1. Little Hunting Creek Marker

Inscription. Most early industries used water to power simple machinery. Little Hunting Creek provided Catoctin Furnace with the renewable energy needed to power the waterwheel of the first furnace. The wheel’s power pumped the furnace bellows creating a blast of air that kept the smelting fire at a very high temperature (around 3000° F) needed to melt the ore. Later bellows were steam driven.

The Johnson Brothers dammed and redirected some of the creek. Water flow could be controlled and released with more energy down stone and earthen raceways. Other small industries, such as a grist mill also used water power from Little Hunting Creek. (Marker Number 1.)

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

Location. 39° 35.082′ N, 77° 26.172′ W. Marker is in Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from Catoctin Mountain Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Thurmont MD 21788, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Second Growth Forest (a few steps from this marker); Slag Heaps (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Raceway and Dam (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bowstring Arch Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ruins of the Ironmaster’s House

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Ironmaster's Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Catoctin Furnace (approx. ¼ mile away); Catoctin Iron Furnace (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmont.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

2. Little Hunting Creek Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.