Near Whiteford in Harford County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Peach Bottom Slate Region

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, September 9, 2014

1. Peach Bottom Slate Region Marker

Inscription. A ridge of high quality slate running from southeastern Pennsylvania into Harford County, Maryland, was quarried on a limited scale as early as 1734. Production increased in the 1840s when the opening of the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal offered a link to markets, and skilled slate workers were recruited from Wales. Rail transport replaced the canal in 1876. Quarries continued to operate into the early 20th century. Peach Bottom slate was widely renowned for roofing.

Erected by Maryland Historical Trust & Maryland State Highway Administration.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Historical Trust, and the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1734.

Location. 39° 42.818′ N, 76° 20.86′ W. Marker is near Whiteford, Maryland, in Harford County. Marker is on Pylesville Road (Maryland Route 165) just north of Whiteford Road (Maryland Route 136), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Whiteford MD 21160, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mason-Dixon Line (approx. 0.6 miles away in Pennsylvania);

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Dedicated to the honor and sacrifice (approx. 1½ miles away in Pennsylvania); Welsh Slate Quarrymens' Cottages at Coulsontown (approx. 2.2 miles away in Pennsylvania); The World Famous Peach Bottom Slate (approx. 2.2 miles away in Pennsylvania); The Welsh Immigrants (approx. 2.2 miles away in Pennsylvania); The Slate Splitters (approx. 2.2 miles away in Pennsylvania); The River, the Dams and the Lakes (approx. 5.4 miles away in Pennsylvania); The Canal Boats (approx. 6.3 miles away in Pennsylvania).

Regarding Peach Bottom Slate Region. “The slate region of this State is a continuation of the York County slate belt. The Maryland quarries are all in the northern part of Harford County, near the State line. The quarries of these two counties constitute what is known as the Peach Bottom slate region.” — from The Sixteenth Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey 1894. “Stone” chapter by William C. Day.

Additional commentary.
1. Slate Quarries
By clicking on the map link, switching to satellite and moving

Earlier Peach Bottom Slate Region Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, June 24, 2007

2. Earlier Peach Bottom Slate Region Marker

Peach Bottom Slate, first used 1734, is the oldest in America. The first commercial cut having been made 1785 by workmen who were primarily Welsh. At the London Crystal Palace Exposition, 1850, Peach Bottom Slate was judged best in the world.

in closer, you will see 4 dark areas to the southeast of the marker. These are the quarries that are now filled with water.

— Submitted June 26, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, September 9, 2014

3. Peach Bottom Slate Region Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,323 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on March 24, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on September 9, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on June 24, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on September 9, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.