Principio Company

  • American

Being the first iron furnace in Maryland and one of the first in the country, the Principio Furnace, along with the other holdings of the company, gave impetus to the growth of an iron industry and stimulated the economy of 18th century America. It has been estimated that of the approximately 50,000 tons of pig and bar iron imported to Great Britain from Maryland between 1718 and 1755, perhaps half came from the furnaces owned by the Principio Company. The Principio Furnace contributed to the war effort in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 by supplying cannon balls to the American troops, thereby making it relevant to our military history. Until the British destroyed the iron-making facilities at Principio, cannon and cannon balls were produced at this site during the War of 1812. George Washington's father, Augustine, was intimately connected with the Principio Company and its fortunes. He supplied ore for use at Principio Furnace, and helped to manage the Accokeek Furnace after it was found to be more economical to smelt ore near the mines than to ship it to Principio Furnace. Augustine Washington held a one-twelfth interest in the Principio Company. The 18th century need for rehabilitating British iron production precipitated the first international trade leading to the construction of a furnace in the colonies. - NRHP, 2 November 1972

Notable Position Person From To
One-Twelve Owner Augustine Washington

Timeline

Y/M/D Description Association Composition Place Locale Food Event
Y/M/D Description Association Composition Place Locale Food Event
1719/00/00 Principio Iron Works established by Joseph Farmer and ironmaster, John England Owner Principio Furnace Perryville
1726/00/00 Principio Company builds Accokeek Ironworks on land leased from Augustine Washington. Owner Accokeek Furnace Archeological Site (44ST53) Stafford
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