You may have heard of Beaver Dam Swimming Club (more often referred to as Beaver Dam Swim Club) in Cockeysville, Maryland. Perhaps you’ve even swum there yourself or currently hold a Season Pass. A private swim club situated along 30 pristine acres, the Beaver Dam property boasts two onsite pools, picnicking areas, an impressive snack bar, a recreational volleyball court, a gently flowing creek, and several other unique callouts.
However, its arguably most impressive feature is that famous 40-foot-deep freshwater quarry of such great acclaim. Today, it too is actively used for recreational swimming (diving/jumping) purposes, but that wasn’t always the case. This quarry has a fascinating backstory grounded in the mining industry, which played a vital role in the historical development of the surrounding region long ago. So how did it transform from a lucrative mining operation into a beloved local recreational swimming site? In this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m sharing the fascinating details and backstory behind Beaver Dam Swim Club’s formation.
Cockeysville’s Mining History
The surrounding Cockeysville area has long been known for its rich and extensive mining history dating back to the 19th century. Mining operations varied within the community from iron ore to marble and other rocks and minerals.
The Dolomitic marble found at Beaver Dam, renowned for its smooth sturdiness and hardness, even came to be alternately referred to as “Cockeysville Marble.” It was widely shipped regionally throughout many locations in the eastern part of the United States. Moreover, it’s been used in many now-renowned buildings and structures, including the Washington Monument in Baltimore and the one in D.C., the Courthouse in Towson, the City Hall Building in Baltimore, the spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, and even the columns of the U.S. Capitol.
Oregon Ridge Nature Center, located on what was once the site of a thriving iron ore and marble mining operation, offers one of the best-detailed history examples today for learning all about the overall mining scene that once existed in the greater Cockeysville region. Yet, let it be known that many other quarries were also dug throughout the surrounding area. Beaver Dam’s establishment was one such mining site and a successful one at that.
Mining at Beaver Dam
Marble mining on the location now comprising Beaver Dam was conducted throughout most of the 19th century, beginning around 1815. Labor back in those days was primarily carried out by Irish immigrants. Workers were equipped with classic hand instruments, such as chisels, hammers, and drills. They also depended on oxen wagons for loading and transporting the quarried stone to the nearby Cockeysville train stop along the North Central Railway. By 1866 the quarry site was connected to the rail directly, alleviating the need for oxen-wagon utilization.
In 1878 Hugh Sisson of Hugh Sisson’s Steam Marble Works in Baltimore acquired the property that now comprises Beaver Dam. In his takeover of onsite quarrying, Sisson incorporated the latest innovative technologies available in the day. His methods called for the use of diamond bit drills, shovels, cranes, saws, steam-powered derricks, and more.
From Mining to Swimming
Marble quarrying continued at Beaver Dam into the first few decades of the 20th century. By the 1920s, however, concrete was beginning to emerge as the favored building material of choice in most parts of the nation. While quarrying remained prevalent at Beaver Dam, it was only a matter of time before a situation arose, forcing all onsite operations to come to a permanent halt. It happened in 1934 when the quarry’s pumps stopped pumping water from the springs at the bottom. As a result, the quarry was flooded signaling the end of marble mining at this location.
Where the flooded marble quarry could have been seen as a disappointing end to an era, it wasn’t long before the site discovered new life as a popular watering hole to visit during the hot summer months. That’s what locals started doing as well as folks from Baltimore seeking a suburban respite away from the bustling city. And so, in 1936, Beaver Dam Swimming Club was established.
In the earliest days, admission for swimming in the flooded quarry came at the cost of a quarter. Swimming was an at-your-own-risk affair as there were no hired lifeguards onsite. Furthermore, you could swim anywhere in the quarry waters.
Beaver Dam Swim Club Today
Through the years, and owing to its increasing popularity, the Beaver Dam Swimming Club premises expanded its onsite offerings and amenities. As for the original quarry, swimming is still permitted here but under the guidance of a hired lifeguard. Certain areas out of the range of lifeguard supervision are now prohibited. Swimmers can enjoy plunging into the water by dropping from a rope swing or diving and jumping from various platforms. There are also two rolling logs to enjoy while you’re at it.
Again, you can enjoy a host of onsite features here today. That means you can make a daylong day trip out of a summertime visit to Beaver Dam Swimming Club.
Beaver Dam Swimming Club operates throughout the summer season. They are known to close unexpectedly in the event of inclement weather. Daily weekday admission rates are $20 for ages 12 and older and $16 for children 2 to 11. Weekend and holiday pricing is $30 for ages 12 and older and $20 for children 2 to 11. Season Pass rates are also available.
You will find Beaver Dam Swimming Club at 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030. To learn more, visit the website at www.beaverdamswimmingclub.com.