A Canal Town

October 17, 2024 -- Williamsport is/was a canal town. It is the only place in North America where visitors can view a variety of canal features in one place, including an operational lift lock and refurbished lockhouse, a railroad lift bridge, a canal turning basin and warehouse, and now a watered aqueduct.

Cushwa Basin

Warehouse, now Visitor's Center

Trolley House

Cushwa Basin is one of the few places that boats could turn around on the C&O Canal. Thus, it was a major point of unloading and loading. It also factored prominently in the Civil War, as troops from both sides were ferried across the Potomac River. At one time, Williamsport was under consideration to be the Capitol of the United States, due to its location on the Potomac.

Bollman Bridge

Railroad Lift Bridge

Lockhouse 44

Along the Canal

Bridge across the Potomac

The C&O Canal National Park Headquarters is located in Williamsport.  It is the administrative hub for the 184.5 miles of the canal. A mule statue stands in from of the headquarters.

C&O Canal Headquarters

Mule statue in Williamsport

Cushwa Basin is one of my favorite places to take Ty. It's close-by. If offers nice walks along the canal (he always wants to get in the canal), with wildlife viewing (turtles and geese in the spring) and a place to put Ty into the Potomac. There is a boat ramp. Ty loves playing in water, so long as the water doesn't get too deep.  On hot days, it provides a good break, as it's in between walking areas.

Me and Ty (powerplant in background)

Ty in the Potomac and beside the aqueduct

Ty waiting patiently for me