Ironsides, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ironsides, Maryland
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 Ironsides, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Ironsides, Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| County | Charles |
| Elevation | 126 ft (38 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 588681 |
Ironsides is a small community in Charles County, Maryland, USA. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Ironsides once had its own Post Office, which opened in 1897. Today, people living in the Ironsides area get their mail through Indian Head or Nanjemoy addresses.
Contents
Geography of Ironsides
Ironsides is located about 126 feet (38 meters) above sea level. This means it's not very high up, but it's not at sea level either.
What's in a Name? The Origin of Ironsides
The name "Ironsides" has two possible stories behind it. One idea is that it's named after the famous ship, the USS Constitution, which was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" because its strong wooden hull seemed like iron. Another idea is that it comes from a house in the area that was updated in 1886 with iron siding.
A Look Back: The History of Ironsides
Ironsides has a rich history, with connections to early American times.
Old Durham Church and Famous Figures
A very old church called Old Durham Church is a local landmark near Ironsides. It was first built in 1692 from logs. Later, in 1732, it was rebuilt with bricks. Important historical figures are buried there. These include William Smallwood, a general who fought in the American Revolutionary War, and William Stone, who was a colonial governor of Maryland.
General Smallwood helped build a road from his home to the church. This road is now known as "Smallwood Church Road."
Farms and Land in Colonial Times
During the colonial period, the land around Ironsides was divided into many small farms. These farms had interesting names like Ward's Delight, Ragged Chance, and Moles Adventure.
Modern Ironsides: Buildings and Roads
Today, you can find a few important buildings in Ironsides. These include the Ironsides Store, the Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad Company 58, and the historical Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The town is located where two state roads meet: Route 6 and Route 425. Part of Route 425 was once known as the "Johnnie Cake Road."
Ironsides is also part of the Maryland Scenic Byways, specifically the Religious Freedom Byway. This route leads to places like Durham Church.
Forests and Tree Farms
In 1948, Maryland joined the "American Tree Farm" movement. This happened with the dedication of a large forest area near Ironsides. This forest was owned by the Glatfelter Pulpwood Company, which still owns a lot of land in the area today.
A Mystery in Alaska
In 1953, a scientist named Rolf Werner Juhle, who grew up in Ironsides, disappeared in a place called the "Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes" in Katmai National Monument, Alaska. He was studying volcanoes. His family owned a tobacco and cattle farm in Ironsides. His body was never found.
