On the eve of the American Revolution, the Johnson brothers founded Catoctin Furnace near present-day Thurmont. Catoctin iron was turned into bombshells used against the British at the Battle of Yorktown. After the colonies won their independence, business boomed for the ironworks. The labor of African slaves and European immigrants produced household goods, tools and stoves for the young country. A small iron-making village evolved around the industry, and though the furnace closed in 1903, its legacy is still remembered and celebrated today. It was rescued from imminent destruction in the 1960s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This proud history was chronicled in full by beloved local historian Elizabeth Yourtee Anderson. Discover the story of Catoctin Furnace, which for more than 130 years helped define the industry, history and culture of western Maryland.
Elizabeth Yourtee Anderson was awarded a BA in history with honors from Hood College. She was a local historian specializing in the history of Catoctin Furnace. She was also a founding member of the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. and served as an officer until her death in 2011. She was a member of the Thurmont Historical Society.