A Diverse and Skilled Workforce

At Catoctin Furnace on July 7, 1799, enslaved workers labored so hard in the iron smelter during the week and on Sunday that they were seldom able to hear the Word of God. Moravian minister John Schlegel wrote that a small group gathered around him at the top of the furnace opening and wept, but when the signal for pouring was given, each had to return to work.

Maryland · United States