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Catoctin Furnace

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Brien, Dorsey, FitzHugh, Johnson and 7 others
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catoctin_Furnace

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Catoctin Furnace was constructed in 1774 by four brothers Thomas, Baker, Roger and James Johnson to produce pig iron from locally mined hematite.[2][3] In blast by 1776, the furnace provided ammunition (cannonballs) for the American Revolutionary War. Some sources state that it also provided cannon.[4][5][6] They also state that iron from this furnace was (much later of course) used to make plates for the USS Monitor; however that is considered unlikely by researchers.[7] Slaves operated the furnace during this time.[8] The Johnson brothers owned the furnaces at the site at first collectively, and after 1793 singly, until 1811.[9]

Ultimately, three furnaces were built at the site, each named for the site. The first Catoctin Furnace was rebuilt a short distance away in 1787.[9] The second, named Isabella was built in the 1850s by Jacob Kunkel (references give dates from 1853 to 1867). It still stands, within Cunningham Falls State Park.[10]

The first two furnaces burned charcoal.[11] The third, which opened in 1873, burned coke[12] (some sources say anthracite coal, though this would be more costly[3][13]). The entire complex closed in 1903 (attributed to rising costs and the too-late introduction of a rail link).[6][14][15]

The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. works to study, commemorate, and preserve the unique and rich history of this late 18th through 19th-century industrial village through the preservation of architecture, art and artistry, cultural traditions, cultural landscape, lifeways, and foodways of the diverse workers. A commitment to researching and interpreting the dark heritage of the enslaved at Catoctin is a primary focus, as is knowledge transfer as reparative action.

Further, improvement of the lives of village residents through economic and social benefits emanating from the historic site and through visitation to events is a goal of the society. This, in turn, will make the historic village an attractive place to live, work and care about. Finally, it is the Historical Society’s intent that annual events such as Traditional Village Christmas and The Maryland Iron Festival will enrich the lives of those that visit and participate. The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc.’s mission is to stimulate jobs, tax revenue, and visitor spending while enriching lives and reminding all of the workers who built this nation.

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc.
12525 Catoctin Furnace Road
Thurmont Maryland 21788
United States
Url: http://www.catoctinfurnace.org
Historical Research Documents

Resource links for research:

DNA Studies of African's:

The genetic legacy of African Americans from Catoctin Furnace - David Reich Lab

Plantations:

Ironworkers Project:

Blacksmith's Project:

Return of names of the Enslaved:

History of Free Blacks in the area and time period during Catoctin history of operation:

Newspaper:

(2 pages in Newspaper)

Blogs:

Resources:
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