Glen Burnie in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Defending the Chesapeake Bay
Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed By F. Robby
1. Defending the Chesapeake Bay Marker
The Curtis Creek Iron Furnace (also calle Aetna or Etna Furnace), established c. 1759, stood on the south side of Furnace Branch Creek in Glen Burnie, where Rte. 10 now crosses. The location ensured access to local iron ore deposits, wood from surrounding forests necessary for charcoal kilns, a constant source of water power from a one-mile mill race fed by Saw Mill Creek, and water transportation for exporting iron products.
During the War of 1812, the furnace provided 18-pound cannon and 32-pound carronades (a short-range naval weapon - smaller, lighter and requiring less gunpowder than long guns) for Commodore Joshua Barney's flotilla, a collection of barges used to defend against British attacks in the shallow waters of Chesapeake Bay.
Captain Abner Linthicum's company…was often in service…sometimes at Etna Furnace, Curtis Creek, where cannon were cast before and during the war."
-Baltimore Sun, September 1890, Account of Sarah Randle, whose father served under Capt. Linthicum in the 22nd Regiment, Maryland Militia, during the War of 1812
[Sidebar:]
The actual Furnace site is not available for visitation at this time. The Historical and Genealogical Research Center at the Kuethe Library is operated jointly by the Ann Arundell County Historical
this page online
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1890.
Location. 39° 9.803′ N, 76° 37.54′ W. Marker is in Glen Burnie, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker is on Crain Highway (Business Maryland Route 3) 0.1 miles south of Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard (Maryland Route 648), on the right when traveling north. Marker is inside but above the brick wall fronting the Kuethe Library. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Glen Burnie MD 21061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. World War 1917 (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Alban's Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); Sgt. Ronald M. Randazzo (approx. 0.2 miles away); Recreation Acres (approx. 0.4 miles away); To All Who Served (approx. half a mile away); Harundale Mall (approx. one mile away); Marley Chapel (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Burnie.
Photographed By F. Robby, October 3, 2016
2. Defending the Chesapeake Bay Marker
Marker is in the foreground, tucked just inside the brick wall. The Kuethe Library is behind the trees in this photo.
Photographed By F. Robby, October 3, 2016
3. Defending the Chesapeake Bay Marker
Looking south down the Crain Highway sidewalk, with marker in the left foreground.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 511 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.
