Near Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Round Top Sand Company
Western Maryland Rail Trail
The Round Top Sand Company and the Maryland Glass Company mined sand in this area during the early 1900's. On the ridge overlooking this area lies a thick bed of Oriskany Sandstone. This sedimentary rock formation yielded a fine, white sand that was suitable for glass manufacture. A unique structure was designed and built in 1919 to move sand that was mined on the ridge to the Western Maryland Railway, 60 feet below. This structure, including two 6" diameter pipes, was supported by a cable system. A slurry of sand and water was pumped through the pipes into a large storage tank. The sand was then transferred from the storage tank onto railroad cars located on a siding track.
Erected by Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.
Location. 39° 40.6′ N, 78° 13.799′ W. Marker is near Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Locker Road and Berm Road, on the right when traveling south. Located on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Round Top Heritage Area (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Round Top Cement Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Round Top Cement Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Round Top Geology (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lovers' Leap (approx. 1.9 miles away in West Virginia); Skirmish at Sir Johns Run (approx. 1.9 miles away in West Virginia); “Old Mr. Flint’s” Home (approx. 2 miles away); National Pike Toll House (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 20, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on July 26, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.