Near Snow Hill in Worcester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Charging the Furnace
Carts laden with bog ore, charcoal, and shells went up the charging ramp to be loaded into the furnace. Piles of these were placed near the opening at the top of the furnace (also called the tunnel head). About every two hours, men would shovel, and dump measured quantities of these raw materials into the furnace following proportions set by the manager of the furnace. This was called charging the furnace. A typical charge consisted of 500 pounds of bog ore, 40 pounds of shells, and 25 bushels of charcoal. A no longer present baffle was located over the tunnel head and was removed when it was time to charge the furnace.
The mirror above the tunnel head is there to allow visitors like you to see into the furnace and was not part of the original structure. Take a look in the mirror and see if you can see the bottom of the furnace.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 38° 12.251′ N, 75° 28.166′ W. Marker is near Snow Hill, Maryland, in Worcester County. It can be reached from the intersection of Millville Road and
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Water Wheel (here, next to this marker); 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); a different marker also named Nassawango Iron Furnace (within shouting distance of this marker); American chestnut (within shouting distance of this marker); Adkins Barn/Blacksmith Shop (within shouting
Other markers no longer nearby. Charging the Furnace (has been replaced with this marker); Hot Blast (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Mill Race and Overview (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
