The Maryland and New York Iron and Coal Company is incorporated in 1837 as the Mount Savage Iron Works. Within three years, the operation of two blast furnaces north of Frostburg, followed by puddling furnaces and a rolling mill, make the Mount Savage Iron Works the largest in the U.S. The Works produce the first heavy iron rails for B&O railroad construction. By 1845, Mount Savage is producing 200 tons of iron a week. Established in an area rich in coal, iron ore and fire clay, the Mount Savage community grows quickly as an industrial center. Faced with financial problems and competition from mills in Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes, the Iron Works cease production in 1870. A large brickmaking operation and locomotive construction continues into the early 20th century. The Works, along with the Ellicott Mills in Ellicott City, lead to strong early industrial growth for the U.S. in Maryland.
A “Mud Machine” dredges Baltimore Harbor
A mud machine driven by horse power dredges Baltimore harbor from 1806 to 1819. Irish immigrants do the hard labor, becoming the early working poor.
