The DNA of Enslaved Iron Workers: Illuminating African American History
*What’s good, America?* Let’s dive deep into a story that not only reveals the resilience of our ancestors but also showcases the marvels of modern science. It’s a tale that intertwines the past with the present, reminding us of the importance of understanding our roots.
In the late 18th century, Maryland was home to the Catoctin Furnace, a site where iron was produced. But behind the scenes of this industrial marvel was a dark history. Enslaved African Americans toiled and sweated, working tirelessly to keep the furnace burning. Their contributions were immense, but their identities were often buried, both metaphorically and literally.
Fast forward to 1979, when a construction team, working on a highway expansion, stumbled upon human remains on the grounds of this 18th-century ironworks. Archaeologists eventually uncovered 35 graves, a silent testament to the enslaved individuals who had been laid to rest there.
