Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The Mule Falters

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, September 26, 2008

1. The Mule Falters Marker

Inscription. As the railroad streaked westward from Harpers Ferry, the C&O Canal fell hopelessly behind in the race for Ohio.
Burdened by a lack of building supplies and a scarcity of skilled labor, the canal encountered serious financial problems and did not reach Cumberland, Maryland until 1850 --- eight years after the railroad reached that point. Plans to continue further westward were abandoned.
Made obsolete by the faster and less expensive railroad, the C&O Canal never attained any great measure of economic success, but did transport coal, flour, grain, and lumber to Washington for nearly 90 years. Canal operations ceased in 1924 when a flood devastated the Potomac Valley, leaving the canal in ruins.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 39° 19.376′ N, 77° 43.718′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from South Potomac Street. Located at the "Point" overlooking the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, in Harpers Ferry National Historical Site. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harpers Ferry WV 25425, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Iron Horse Wins (here, next to this marker); The Race to the Ohio (here, next to this marker); Early Travel (here, next to this marker); The Point (a few steps from this marker); Where Three National Trails Meet (within shouting distance of this marker); Capture of Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Capture of Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Capture of Harpers Ferry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.

Markers at the Point image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

2. Markers at the Point

Remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, September 26, 2008

3. Remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,376 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 25, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on October 4, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.