Hollywood in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Blacksmithing

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026

1. Blacksmithing Marker

Inscription.
Blacksmithing was an essential aspect of life at Sotterley. Farmers needed to be able to repair plows, fix blades, and make horseshoes, tasks which would be far more difficult without the aid of a blacksmith's forge.

Early forges used a system of bellows (B) to blow air into a sideblast forge and heat coals. This method of maintaining a fire continued well into 19th century, but was replaced as new technology developed.

In the late 19th century, hand blown forges developed. These tools allowed blacksmiths to easily keep coals hot by cranking a wheel that in turn blew air into the forge, or fire pot.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 38° 22.529′ N, 76° 32.562′ W. Marker is in Hollywood, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It is on Sotterley Lane north of Sotterley Wharf Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44296 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood MD 20636, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in Southern Maryland.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

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: The Cooper (here, next to this marker); The Sotterly Corn Crib (here, next to this marker); Sotterley's Early Days (a few steps from this marker); Building a Horse Drawn Wagon (a few steps from this marker); Wheelwright (a few steps from this marker); Sotterley's Economy (a few steps from this marker); Sotterley Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker); War Touches Sotterley (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hollywood.

Several markers on display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026

2. Several markers on display

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 18, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.