"Port Deposit Collections: Trade & Commerce"
is available for $5 + $1 S&H
from Hengwrt Publishing Co.
 P.O. Box 116, Oxford, PA 19363,

email HengwrtBooks@aol.com

=Brief Synopsis=

   Because of its strategic location at the junction of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay and also because of the local natural resources such as granite and chrome, Port Deposit was an extremely important transportation hub from the early 1800's through the mid-20th century. Ambitious entrepreneurs flocked to the tiny community to make their fortunes, and many succeeded.

Port Deposit Granite - this section covers the geology of the stone (which is actually "quartz-rich biotite granodiorite"), the operations of the McClenahan quarry, and the quarrying procedures and transportation methods, and also mentions a few dozen Port Deposit Granite structures up and down the Eastern seaboard.

The Rock Run Covered Bridge at Port Deposit - details the financing, construction, and history of this important toll bridge, which spanned 4/5 of a mile across the Susquehanna River, with abutments on three islands. Also discusses the competing Conowingo Covered Bridge upriver.

The Lumber Schooners - in this article the specially-built fleet of scow schooners which hauled goods up and down the Chesapeake is examined, with an emphasis on the transport of the white pine lumber which was produced at Port Deposit from logs floated downriver from Williamsport, PA and environs. Many ships and their captains are mentioned by name.

Railroads on the Lower Susquehanna - from 1837 until today, trains have traversed the Port Deposit area. This avenue of commerce opened new markets for granite, lumber, and local produce and grain.

Steamboats in Port Deposit Harbor, A Century of Service - Lancaster County native Robert Fulton promoted the first commercial steamboat on the Hudson River in 1807, service to Port Deposit started as early as 13 years later. These boats hauled both cargo and passengers throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th. Again, many vessels and their masters are listed by name.