Collier Log House

     During the 18th century immigrants from Switzerland and Germany brought a valuable knowledge of log home construction to America. Their traditional building techniques and ideas quickly spread across the expanding frontier, providing shelter for countless New World settlers. In remote areas, most building sites were usually a great distance from lumber mills. As an alternative, sturdy log construction became a relatively quick and easy answer. With the help of friendly neighbors, a log cabin could be erected in a matter of days after a foundation and dozens of logs were carefully prepared.
     Pictured here is an example of broadaxe hewn construction. This tight assembly of timbers, tied together with dovetail joints, provided a much needed shelter from the harsh environment. The 1810 Collier Log House, listed in the National Registration of Historic Places, is found in the Thurmont area of Maryland. Other historic sites located along the Catoctin Mountain Loop include Harriet Chapel, Cunningham Falls, Catoctin Cottage and the Catoctin Iron Furnace fondly named Isabella.
     The highly influential craftsmen movement during the early 1900s brought about a resurgence of log home construction. The Old Faithful Inn is a notable example. With its fitting rustic architecture, the splendid lodge blended in well with the Yellowstone's incredible scenery.