21st Century Technology Reveal: 18th Century Enslaved Quarters at Catoctin Furnace

Recent research determined the size and configuration of the slave quarters at Catoctin Furnace during an investigation that utilized a Phase IA archaeological reconnaissance, surface survey, and ground penetrating survey (GPR). The study area has been referred to by its final use as the “Mule Barn” but originally was built as a quarter for enslaved ironworkers at Catoctin Furnace. As this area was commonly used to park vehicles, and was completely unprotected from public access, there was concern that remains might continue to deteriorate.  

Elizabeth Comer, President of the Catoctin Furnace History Society and Principal of EAC/A, an archaeological firm in Baltimore, Maryland will discuss the finer points of this project, including the information gained from historic maps, photographs, oral histories, and other archival records.

This important project was recently completed by EAC/Archaeology, Inc. under contract to the Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. Generous funding was provided by the Delaplaine Foundation and the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.  

Program part of the One Maryland One Book (OMOB) theme: What We Collect, What We Tell. Check out the OMOB book, Kin: Rooted in Hope, by Carole Weatherford here.