Lonaconing Residency, Iron Technology & the Railroad

In the early 19th century, a 14-foot thick seam of bituminous coal referred to historically as "The Big Vein" was discovered in the Georges Creek Valley in Western Maryland. This coal region would become famous for its clean-burning low sulfur content that made it ideal for powering ocean steamers, river boats, locomotives, and steam mills, and machines shops. By 1850, almost 30 coal companies would be mining the Georges Creek Coal, producing over 60 million tons of coal between 1854 to 189...