The Patapsco Valley, located in a woodland setting between Baltimore and Washington, witnessed the establishment of numerous foundries, iron mills, and textile factories from the late 18th century until well after the Civil War. The author draws upon 19th-century diaries, newspapers, and journals to chronicle the growth and development of these early industries, and their destruction in the terrible flood of July 1868.

The Patapsco Valley, located in a woodland setting between Baltimore and Washington, witnessed the establishment of numerous foundries, iron mills, and textile factories from the late 18th century until well after the Civil War. The author draws upon 19th-century diaries, newspapers, and journals to chronicle the growth and development of these early industries, and their destruction in the terrible flood of July 1868.