Tannery - 1797 Union Mills Homestead in Maryland

A tannery was one of the original supporting trades that formed part of the business enterprise founded by Andrew and David Shriver, Jr. in 1797. The tannery was where animal hides were “tanned” and turned into leather, a vital product for shoes, clothes, saddles, harnesses, and industrial uses. Belts made from leather were used to power machinery and transport grain products in the Shrivers’ automated Grist Mill.