Enslavement to
freedom

 
  An African American woman circa 1940s era sits at a desk writing a letter.

 

 

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2007 Mail

African American forgemen

From Debra McCauslin, 09 February 2007 in response to an announcement of a conference on African American miners

This is not coal mining but it's related to mining iron ore. I have information about two African American families named Mars and Butler who lived in upper Adams County. They worked at Laurel Forge in Cumberland County PA, the present site of Pine Grove Furnace State Park. There is a newspaper account of Aaron Mars losing his life while working in the limestone quarry there. The walls fell in on him and he was loaded into a wagon and expired on the way to his home. I also found census data showing occupations as forgeman, collier and woodchopper (aiding in the charcoal process needed in the iron industry). There are also charcoal pits on Yellow Hill where an African American community once had a settlement, church and burial ground. If any of you want copies of this information, I'll happily respond.

Thanks!

Debra McCauslin

www.gettysburghistories.com Tours of Yellow Hill available

See also

History of the African American Community of Yellow Hill, Adams County

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