Snow Hill in Worcester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Nassawango Iron Furnace

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 19, 2025

1. Nassawango Iron Furnace Marker

Inscription. The only furnace in Maryland ever to make extensive use of bog ore, this structure is the oldest surviving hot blast furnace in the United States. erected in 1829-1830 by the Maryland Iron Company, it was in use until 1847. About 700 tons of iron were produced each year which were used locally and shipped to various destinations on the East Coast. The Worcester County Historical Society succeeded in placing the Furnace on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975: it was declared a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1991. Its placement on the river plain allowed for the construction of a gently sloped and covered charging ramp for workmen to easily transport the raw materials to the top of the furnace. A large flat deck may have surrounded the top of the furnace in its early days to allow for a work area.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the ASME Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. 38° 12.258′ N, 75° 28.162′ W. Marker is in Snow Hill, Maryland, in Worcester County. It can be reached from the intersection of Millville Road and Old Furnace Road, on the left when traveling south.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5914 Millville Rd, Snow Hill MD 21863, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and in the Tidewater.

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: A different marker also named Mill Race and Overview (here, next to this marker); Charging the Furnace (a few steps from this marker); Water Wheel (a few steps from this marker); The Mill Race (a few steps from this marker); Canal (a few steps from 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 distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Snow Hill.

Other markers no longer nearby. Mill Race and Overview (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Charging the Furnace (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Hot Blast (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Nassawango Iron Furnace Site. Wikipedia entry:
Links to National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on October 20, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

The Nassawango Iron Furnace image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 19, 2025

2. The Nassawango Iron Furnace

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 46 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.