Artifacts dating back to Colonial America are being uncovered by archaeologists from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) as they research two small cabins near the historic Elkridge Furnace in Howard County. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the iron furnace, part of the U.S. National Park Service's Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, used enslaved, indentured, and convict labor.
The research team, led by Dr. Julie Schablitsky, MDOT chief of cultural resources, has uncovered brick floors, stone foundations, and artifacts during excavations. Archaeologists hope to determine the age of the buildings and their relationship to the historic furnace.
The $50,000 archaeological project is a partnership between MDOT and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The property was once owned by the MDOT State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) in conjunction with its construction of nearby I-195 but was later conveyed to DNR, who saved the historic complex.
“This latest partnership between MDOT and DNR shows our shared commitment to collaborate with fellow agencies and the community to discover and preserve one of Maryland's greatest assets: our history,” said James F. Ports, Jr., MDOT secretary, in a prepared statement.
Archaeological findings will be incorporated into interpretive materials, and the investigation will inform DNR's work to restore the buildings. In the future, DNR and the on-site restaurant, Elkridge Furnace Inn, will use the archaeological discoveries to share the history of the site and the lives of the iron workers with the public.
The Elkridge Furnace Complex, near the intersection of Furnace Avenue and Race Road, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Elkridge is one of the oldest settlements in Howard County, and its growth was related to the country’s economic success and transportation. Between late 18th century and mid-19th century, the community was a center for the iron industry with the establishment of furnaces, businesses and homes along the Baltimore Washington Turnpike and railroad.
Source: Maryland Department of Transportation
