Old Town North in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Tide Lock of the Alexandria Canal

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 26, 2019

1. Tide Lock of the Alexandria Canal Marker

Inscription. This tide lock of the Alexandria Canal was one of four lock that together lowered boats about 38 feet to the Potomac River and raised them for their return trip. The remains of the other locks are now buried under modern construction.

This seven-mile canal was in operation from 1843 to 1886 between Alexandria and Georgetown in the District of Columbia. The canal ran on level ground from Alexandria to Rosslyn, where it crossed the Potomac River to Georgetown by means of an aqueduct. Here the canal connected with the Chesapeake and Ohio (C & O) Canal. Coal from western Maryland became the most important commodity to be shipped via the canals to the wharves in Alexandria. Hence, the Alexandria Canal played a short but vital role in Alexandria's commercial history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 38° 48.808′ N, 77° 2.308′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town North. Marker can be reached from Montgomery Street east of Rivergate Place, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands in the Old Town North neighborhood of Alexandria. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 66 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. The Old Dominion Glass Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Alexandria Canal Company, 1830 - 1886 (about 300 feet away); Cross Canal Neighborhood, 1860s - 1960s (about 500 feet away); Cross Canal (about 600 feet away); Alexandria Canal (1843 - 1886) (approx. 0.2 miles away); African American Neighborhoods (approx. 0.2 miles away); Remnants of Lock #4 of the Alexandria Canal (approx. ¼ mile away); The Tale of Spa Spring (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 26, 2019

2. Tide Lock of the Alexandria Canal Marker

Lock remains image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 26, 2019

3. Lock remains

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 27, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.