Near Snow Hill in Worcester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hot Blast
Photographed by Nate Davidson, August 2, 2010
1. Hot Blast Marker
When constructed c. 1828, the Nassawango Iron Furnace used cold blast: a waterwheel powered a set of bellows which forced air-temperature air into the furnace. The cast iron recirculating pipes (or retorts) were placed on the furnace about 1837. They preheated the air which the bellows pumped into the furnace. These pipes were connected by means of intake and downcomer pipes to the bellows chamber. This system of pipes made this a hot blast furnace, more efficient and state-of-the-art for its time.
Two 10-14 foot chimneys rose from the top of the hot blast stove (which was completely covered with brick) to take off noxious gases produced by combustion. Residents of Furnace Town remarked of the constant brilliant orange flame, said to be visible for miles, at the tops of these chimneys.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 12.252′ N, 75° 28.168′ W. Marker was near Snow Hill, Maryland, in Worcester County. It could be reached from the intersection of Millville Road and Old Furnace Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 5914 Millville Rd, Snow Hill MD 21863, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no
this page online
Regionally, this marker was on the Eastern Shore. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and in the Tidewater. 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: A different marker also named Charging the Furnace (here, next to this marker); Water Wheel (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Mill Race and Overview (here, next to this marker); Canal (here, next to this marker); Nassawango Iron Furnace (a few steps from this marker); The Mill Race (within shouting distance of this marker); American chestnut (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Nassawango Iron Furnace (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Snow Hill.
Other markers no longer nearby. Charging the Furnace (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Mill Race and Overview (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Nate Davidson, August 2, 2010
2. Charging the Furnace & Hot Blast Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2025, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 56 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 22, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
