Patrick Stakem

Lonaconing Residency Iron Technology & the Railroad Patrick Stakem

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 1891, with 5,000 men working underground. In the census of 1860, over 90% of the miners could read and write. The Town of Lonaconing was located centrally in the Georges Creek Valley, between Frostburg at the north, and Westernport at the south. Both towns at the extremes had rail junctions. There were plans to extend the C& O canal through Westernport. Lonaconing became the largest among the dozen or so towns along the Georges Creek, serving as a manufacturing center, a home for companies and miners, and a major retail center. At one time, residents had their choice of three rail passenger services, serving the town. When it was founded, Lonaconing was a model of Industrial Feudalism. Initially the workmen came from Wales, and, until recently, church services were conducted in Welsh. This is the story of the extraordinary men and company's who put together a small industrial empire in the middle of the woods in Western Maryland. They dug iron ore and coal, built a railroad, and formed towns and organizations that exist to this day. The iron furnace is preserved in a City Park, and the Silk Mill survives. Lonaconing now hosts a branch of the county library for the Georges Creek region. The author's ancestors came to mine coal and live in Lonaconing from Ireland during the Civil War.