Philadelphia-based walking artist Ken Johnston will lead a hike from Catoctin Furnace to the top of Bob’s Hill named for the 19th century free black farmer and collier, Robert Patterson. Mr. Patterson’s family owned a 25-acre tract on the mountain and began a school for the African America children of the community. The Bob’s Hill trail commemorates the Patterson family and other skilled ironworkers who labored at Catoctin Furnace. Ken Johnston will lead the interpretive hike during the Maryland Iron Festival on Saturday, May 18th. Johnston says he is eager to explore the deep power of memory that Black Heritage trails like the one up to Bob’s Hill evoke.
Since 2017, Johnston has traced the footsteps of freedom seekers and those who assisted them in the Underground Railroad and Civil Rights Movements. On some of the walks covering large geographic areas up to 450 miles, Johnston said he “reflects on the hardships of slavery and the victory of freedom while meditating on the contour of the land where Black resistance and perseverance for justice and freedom occurred.”
“When I walk, I try to feel the ‘sole of the souls’ untold stories of the past,” said Johnston. “I look for what is different, what is new and what is the same.”
Bob’s Hill Trail is a very difficult 3.8 mile out-and-back hike that takes about two hours to complete. It’s not likely to be a problem for Johnston who, in 2018, completed a 400-mile solo hike from Selma, Alabama to Memphis, Tennessee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination.
Since then, he has walked from Harper’s Ferry to Catoctin Furnace and onward to Gettysburg. Other journeys included walks tracing the footsteps of Harriet Tubman from the Eastern Shore of Maryland to Canada, and across Northern Ireland to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Belfast to Derry Civil Rights March.
Hikers who want to join Johnston on the Bob’s Hill Trail should meet at the upper Manor parking area of Cunningham Falls State Park, 6709 Cunningham Falls Park Road, Thurmont, MD by 8:45 am on Saturday, May 18th. Look for the Bob’s Hill Trail sign adjacent to the lot. It is required to wear good hiking shoes and have hiking poles as the trail is very steep. Please also bring water and a snack if desired. The early start time is designed to allow you to be back at the festival in time for lunch and the 1 pm iron pour.
The 6th Annual Maryland Iron Festival will take place on May 18 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, May 19, from 10 am to 4 pm in the village of Catoctin Furnace, Cunningham Falls State Park, and Catoctin Mountain Park. For more information, contact info@catoctinfurnace.org.