Existing comment:
Industry and Opportunity:
"... the citizens of Washington County, Maryland, are deeply interested in the free and entire navigation of the Potomac River..."
-- Plantation Owner John Blackford, Ferry Hill, 1823
A mile downstream from Ferry Hill, a natural ford across the Potomac River enabled travel for American Indians, European immigrants, settlers, and traders. Known as Pack Horse, Swearingen's, Blackford's, or Boteler's Ford, the crossing between Maryland and Virginia became vital to regional commerce.
In the mid-1700s the ford allowed farmed to haul produce and livestock to Philadelphia and the frontier. Western Maryland's farm economy prospered, generating local industries that supported area agriculture. Mills processed grains, timber, and limestone, turning out flour, paper, and cement. Mines crushed and shipped iron ore as manufacturing surged throughout the region.
Transporting goods on unimproved roads were expensive. By the mid-1800s, enterprising individuals like John Blackford had rallied for improved roads and increased funds for internal improvements. |