C & O Canal

On our way back to Maryland, we took a break in Hancock to check out the National Park Service visitor center for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.  We arrived just as they were closing; however, we did take pictures of the lock and the ranger station which was once a lock-tender's house and resting place for travelers along the canal.  Construction on the C & O Canal began in 1828 and the last section was completed in 1850.  The canal was 184.5 miles long running from Cumberland, MD to Washington, D.C.  The canal was initially planned to reach Pittsburgh, PA; however, it became too expensive due to engineering challenges associated with crossing the Appalachian Mountains.  The Erie Canal was completed in 1825.  Engineers and workers from the Erie Canal were also employed in building the C & O Canal and benefited from their Erie Canal building experience.  The C & O Canal continued to operate until 1924.  Today, the canal is managed by the National Park Service which has converted the towpaths to hiking and cycling trails through the parkway.

Former Lock on the C & O Canal

NPS C & O Canal Visitor Center Hancock