Cabin John in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
At All Hours
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 3, 2017
1. At All Hours Marker
It shall be the duty, at all hours, by night as well as day, to pass all boats and floats presenting themselves at their locks. — Charles Mercer, President, C&O Canal Company
Every time his boat passed through a lock, a boat captain put his life and livelihood in the hands of the locktender. The wooden lock gates were a delicate balance between safety and efficiency. They had to be light enough to allow one man to move them, yet strong enough to hold back 140,000 gallons of water. A skilled locktender could judge and adjust the flow of water in or out of the lock to minimize the risk to boat and lock.
Locktenders were responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of liftlocks. Neglect or carelessness could mean disaster. In exchange for a small monthly salary, an acre of land and a house, locktenders heeded the horn blast of boatmen even at 2 a.m. or on Sunday. After all, time was money.
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. 38°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Drop Gate Locks (a few steps from this marker); Lockhouse 10 (within shouting distance of this marker); Swing-Gate Locks (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Lock-Keepers (approx. 0.2 miles away); "…an extravagant expression of Victorian romanticism." (approx. one mile away); "The best scenery lies beyond the city, especially in the neighborhood of Cabin John Creek…" (approx. one mile away); Building The Cabin John Bridge (approx. one mile away); Early Blacksmith Shop (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cabin John.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 3, 2017
2. At All Hours Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 3, 2017
3. How a Lock Works — Boat Heading Downstream
Lift locks raised and lowered boats to overcome changes in elevation.
A boat heading downstream enters the lock. Mules can be unhitched and the locktender closes the upstream gates.Close-up of image on marker
A boat heading downstream enters the lock. Mules can be unhitched and the locktender closes the upstream gates.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 3, 2017
4. How a Lock Works — Lowering the Boat
The locktender opens the downstream paddles. Water flows out and the boat is lowered. Close-up of image on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 3, 2017
5. How a Lock Works — Boat Moves On
With water levels equal, the locktender opens the downstream gates. The mules are hitched and the boat moves on.Close-up of image on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 5, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 5, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
