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

Canal

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

1. Canal Marker

Inscription.
The canal connects the furnace tail race with Nassawango Creek. It was about 20 feet wide, 8-10 feet deep and continued for nearly a mile. Locks at the junction of the canal with Nassawango Creek helped control the water level. Small barges loaded with pig and cast iron were pulled along the canal by mules walking the towpath. Schooners waited at the locks to begin the voyage down the Pocomoke River then the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. Barges returning to the furnace were loaded with oyster and clam shells from the Chesapeake Bay.

Special Notes: A flood in August 1989 washed out the locks. They had been photographed and measured prior to that flood. The level of water presently in the canal is typical. The canal is fed by freshwater springs, and stays between 8-15 inches deep. Even in the winter the canal does not freeze, as the temperatures of the water from these springs is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1989.

Location. 38° 12.248′ N, 75° 28.167′ W. Marker is in Snow Hill, Maryland, in Worcester County. It can be reached from the intersection of

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Millville Road and Old Furnace Road, on the left when traveling south. 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: Water Wheel (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Charging the Furnace (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 markers no longer nearby. Charging the Furnace (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Hot Blast (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Mill Race and Overview (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Additional commentary.
1. Metric equivalent
The metric equivalent of 50°F is about 10°C.

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

2. A couple markers in front of the former location of the water wheel
— Submitted October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

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 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.