Box Lunch Talk: Springfields Iron & Copper Mining Legacy Presented by Johnny Johnsson

George Patterson’s “Springfield Estate” (where ACTS-Fairhaven formerly Integrace/EMA is located) once hosted significant 19th-Century iron and copper mines. Initially, iron ore was mined to supply the Elba Furnace in Sykesville. Then rich copper ore was discovered and the mines prospered for a time during the 1850s & 60s. We will recount some details of the history of these interesting mines through maps, photos, text, & discussion.

Johnny Johnsson received his B.S. in mining engineering from Virginia Tech in 1985. He later acquired his Professional Engineer’s License and earned his M.B.A. at the University of Baltimore.  He is responsible for environmental permitting and compliance in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for Vulcan Materials, a major aggregates and concrete manufacturer. Mineral collecting as a youngster led to his career and to an interest in mining history, particularly the mining and manufacture of chromium, copper, and iron related to Maryland’s Tyson family. Johnny serves as a Volunteer Ranger at the Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, a serpentine barren near Reisterstown with historic chrome mines, one of several locations where he conducts interpretive mining history hike programs. Johnny has published several papers on local mining history. He resides in Finksburg, Maryland with his wife Dawn and three children.

As always, there is no registration for Box Lunch Talks. You bring your lunch, and we provide the drinks and desserts (thanks to our volunteers and staff). The cost is $3 for HSCC members and $5 for nonmembers.

Questions? Please contact Laura Bankard, Outreach & Events Director at lbankard@hsccmd.org or 410.848.6494 ext. 200.