Immigrants from Switzerland and Germany brought valuable knowledge of log home construction to America. During the 1700s their building techniques and ideas quickly spread across the expanding frontier. In remote areas, building sites were usually a great distance from lumber mills. As an alternative, sturdy log construction became a relatively quick and easy answer. In a matter of days tightly laid logs provided a much needed shelter from their harsh environment.
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 appropriate rustic style blended with the park's surrounding scenery. This Picture of the Day is an example of broadaxe hewn construction. The Collier Log House, listed in the National Registration of Historic Places, is found in the Thurmont area of Maryland. Other historic sites are located along the Catoctin Furnace Loop, including Harriet Chapel, Cunningham Falls, Catoctin Cottage and Iron Furnace.