Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fueling the Furnace
Catoctin Mountain Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 5, 2018
For nearly 100 years charcoal produced extremely hot fires required to extract iron from the ore, but in 1873 the furnace switched to coal. Hundreds of local residents, including African Americans who worked as teamsters and at the furnace, had to seek new livelihoods.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Appalachian Iron Furnaces series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 39° 38.813′ N, 77° 26.643′ W. Marker is in Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from Park Central Road north of Foxville Road (Maryland Route 77), on the right when traveling north. On the grounds of Catoctin Mountain Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14707 Park Central Road, Thurmont MD 21788, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Signs of the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Wood—the Essential Ingredient (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Collier's Hut (about 500 feet away); Making Charcoal (about 700 feet away); Wood Hauler's Sled (approx. 0.2 miles away); Preparing the Hearth (approx. ¼ mile away); Making Whiskey (approx. 0.6 miles away); Blue Blazes Still (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmont.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 5, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.