Potomac in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Welcome to Great Falls
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2020
1. Welcome to Great Falls Marker
The C&O Canal Company encountered many obstacles in creating a water highway highway that connected the Potomac and Ohio rivers. Navigating around the Great Falls proved one of the most challenging. Here, where the Potomac River plunges more than 41 vertical feet, the C&O Canal Company built six closely spaced locks to drop boats safely past the river.
Great Falls offered a popular destination for city weary Washingtonians in the 1870s. The lockkeeper house was enlarged twice to accommodate a hotel and tavern. Today the area continues to welcome tourists and local residents drawn by its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historic significance.
[Captions:]
The Great Falls Tavern, also known as the Crommelin House, now accommodates the C&O Canal Visitors Center.
This photograph taken in the 1920s at the Great Falls pedestrian bridge reflects the area's blossoming tourist business.
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°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington Aqueduct (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Falls Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Great Falls Tavern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Creating a National Park (about 700 feet away); A Geologic Barrier (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fighting Floods (approx. 0.2 miles away); Olmsted Island (approx. 0.4 miles away); People and the Potomac (approx. half a mile away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Potomac.
Other markers no longer nearby. A Lift Lock (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Boats Passing By (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 28, 2023
2. Welcome to Great Falls Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2020
3. Welcome to Great Falls Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 28, 2023
4. Welcome to Great Falls Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2020
5. Great Falls Tavern
Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 4, 2020
6. Great Falls Tavern & C&O Canal Lock 19
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 11, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 2. submitted on December 28, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on July 11, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4. submitted on December 28, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5, 6. submitted on July 11, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
