Near Snow Hill in Worcester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Water Wheel
The large stones at ground level at this sign and directly across mark the location of the waterwheel. The wheel, about 22 feet in diameter, sat with the midpoint at the level of these stones: about 11 feet of wheel was above the stone, and 11 feet was below. A pit, about 12-13 feet deep, separated the water entering the wheel from the mill race from the water leaving the wheel at the tail race. The wheel was a breast wheel: water flowed into the wheel's buckets at midpoint, with the weight of the water causing the wheel to turn.
Special Note: A flood in August 1989 scoured the tail race and wheel pit area. Sections of the wheel were retrieved, photographed, measured and recorded, and are currently in storage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1989.
Location. 38° 12.25′ 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 Old Furnace Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
this page online
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 Charging the Furnace (here, next to this marker); Canal (here, next to this marker); Mill Race and Overview (a few steps from 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 distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Snow Hill.
Other
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 19, 2025
2. A couple markers in front of the former location of the water wheel
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 36 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
