May 31, 2024 -- Dam 5 is one of my favorite places along the C&O Canal. I have visited it on numerous occasions with Ty. I've also taken my Mom to see it. It's a short drive from Clear Spring. I'll likely continue to visit it.
National Historic Park
Also called Honeywood Dam
Dam 5
Dam 5 was built in 1835 by the canal company. Its purpose was to hold water from the Potomac and divert it into the canal so it could be used for navigation. It was damaged repeatedly by flooding, before being rebuilt in the 1860's as a stone masonry dam. Dam 5 is one of 7 dams along the C&O Canal. Today it is an important source of hydro-power.
The other side of the dam
Ty at Dam 5
The Potomac River was a physical barrier between opposing sides in the Civil War. The C&O Canal was a strategic target for both the Union and Confederacy. Stonewall Jackson made several attempts to destroy Dam 5 and cripple the canal. He failed.
Stonewall Jackson Historical marker
Dam 5 Lockhouse
Locks
Pretty Potomac
There is a cliff between Lock 45 and Dam 5. The toe path between them is a concrete path that hugs the rock walls. The path was still needed when mules still pulled boats on the river.
Cliff walk
At the end of the cliff path is a 10-foot concrete pad. Nowadays, it's used for cliff jumping by local youth. When Ty and I were there, some kids were jumping off. They knew where it was safe to jump. They came by boat. Sadly, there's graffiti on the walls of the cliff and trash all around the cliff. Not sure why we have to trash everything around us.
Little Slackwater
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