Near McLean in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
People and the Potomac
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
1. People and the Potomac Marker
The Potomac River is the second largest watershed feeding the Chesapeake Bay. Early peoples depended on the river for food and made their homes along its banks. European settlers saw the river as a source for transportation, expansion, and settlement.
We still rely on the river in important ways. Most of the people in the Washington, D.C. area depend on the Potomac River as a source of their drinking water. Millions more see the river as a place to recreate - a place to escape from busy lives.
What is YOUR relationship to the river?
Erected by George Washington Memorial Parkway, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 38° 59.753′ N, 77° 15.2′ W. Marker is near McLean, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Georgetown Pike (Virginia Route 193). Located along the Great Falls National Park main trail, at an overlook of the falls. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Falls VA 22066, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. River of Change (here, next to this marker); A Globally Rare Environment
this page online
More about this marker. The background photo on the marker shows "Two women sit on a rock overlooking the Great Falls of the Potomac circa 1920." Three inset illustrations on the lower right illustrate the evolution of river transportation. The first is a drawing showing that "American Indians used fire to make dugout canoes." The second is a photo showing "Reenactors pole a replica of a boat used for early river navigation." The last shows that "Experienced kayakers paddle the waters at Great Falls."
Also see . . . Great Falls Park. National Park Service site detailing the falls and the park. (Submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
2. People and the Potomac Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
3. Kayakers Enjoying the Rapids at Great Falls
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 1, 2012
4. Tourists gathered near the People and the Potomac Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,200 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on April 7, 2012, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.
