Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hancock
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, July 22, 2016
1. Hancock Marker
Situated on the Potomac River at the narrowest point in the state of Maryland the town of Hancock is rich in history. The town is named for Joseph Hancock, Jr., who ferried travelers, traders, and commerce across the Potomac.
In 1818, the National Pike, Hancock's Main Street, opened, bringing an increased flow of travelers to town. Hancock enjoyed its second boom when work on the C&O Canal was conducted in the 1830s. During the Civil War, Hancock became an important town in the struggle for control of the canal and the Potomac.
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Today the Hancock Town Museum and Welcome Center focus on local history and transportation. Other attractions include an antique mall, specialty shops and a variety of restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or pedal along the C&O Canal towpath and Western Maryland Rail Trail.
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Towns along the C&O Canal
Since 1828 and the beginnings of the C&O Canal, towns along this waterway have both benefited from the commerce on the canal and supported those who used the canal.
Expand your canal experience with a visit into Hancock, and take in the history and services available today in this classic canal town.
This wayside was made possible through a contribution from the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention
this page online
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list.
Location. 39° 41.882′ N, 78° 10.951′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Canal Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Located on the C&O Canal Towpath. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Hancock (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland (about 500 feet away); Main Street looking east / North West Corner of Main Street and Penn Ave. (about 500 feet away); The great snow of 1936 / Douglas Chevrolet (about 600 feet away); Hancock United Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); The Tonoloways (about 600 feet away); Joseph Hancock, Jr.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 12, 2022
2. Hancock Marker
Unfortunately, the marker has significantly weathered.
Also see . . .
1. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. National Park Service (Submitted on July 25, 2016.)
2. Hancock. C&O Canal Trust (Submitted on July 25, 2016.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 503 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 13, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
