Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hancock in the Canal Era
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
As a result of the increasing prosperity in the Potomac Valley, Hancock grew during the 1800s, adding churches, banks, hotels, businesses, residences, and schools. The canal also prospered, with its peak flour-trade in 1850 and peak coal-trade in 1875.
However, the competition between the canal and the railroads had an on-going effect on the canal. The canal eventually went out of business in 1924. As the years passed, other transportation methods became more popular and the railroad declined. Eventually, the economic web supporting Hancock began to deteriorate and Hancock started to experience the loss of financial stability. Today, there is new interest in the canal as a recreational and historical corridor. By working together, the town and the canal will enter a new era which will, hopefully, once again be mutually benefiting.
To learn more about the history of the C&O Canal and and Hancock, you may visit the Hancock Museum at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and High Street or the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Hancock Visitor Center at 326 East Main Street.
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View of canal behind East Main Street, Hancock, Maryland
Hancock Bank, established 1894
Light House, stage inn
P.T. Little store and warehouse
Central Barton House, stage inn
Feltner House, formerly Dr. Perkins house
St. Peters Catholic Church
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 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list.
Location. 39° 41.878′ N, 78° 10.758′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Canal Street and North Church Street. 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. The C&O Canal: Serving the Potomac Valley (a few steps from this marker); Discover the Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); A New Beginning (within shouting distance of this marker); Major James Breathed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Discover the Trail (about 300 feet away); Hancock Station (about 300 feet away); "Perkins House" / "Davis" Hotel (about 300 feet away); Hancock (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.
Also see . . . Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. National Park Service (Submitted on July 25, 2016.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 367 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2016, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.