The Palisades in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Navigation of the Potomac
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Catherine N Ball, November 22, 2023
1. Navigation of the Potomac Marker
The Potowmack Company Outlet at Lock Harbor
You are standing on land that once belonged to the Potowmack Company. Created in 1785, the company aimed to make the Potomac River more navigability for trade by building a five-part skirting canal system to bypass areas of rapids. The stream in front of you holds the remnants of the bypass for Little Falls.
The skirting bypasses were constructed by enslaved laborers, indentured servants, and unskilled laborers. Constant financial challenges, labor troubles, unpredictable river conditions, and difficulties with returning boats back up the river plagued the company.
After 26 years of operation the Patowmack Company finally succumbed to bankruptcy. The then-new Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Company acquired the Potowmack Company's charter. The charter and knowledge of the Potowmack Canal's challenges allowed the C&O Canal Company to build an improved canal system along the river.
[Captions:]
The Potowmack Company Seal. This was one of the first publicly traded companies in the new nation. Shares were being bought and sold in a way that had real-time effects on the company's operation.
Newspaper article announcing the General Assembly of Maryland approving the Potowmack Company.
Maryland Gazette.
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 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.
Location. 38° 55.17′ N, 77° 6.153′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The Palisades. Marker can be reached from Canal Road Northwest north of Reservoir Road Northwest, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4940 Canal Road Northwest, Washington DC 20016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Abner Cloud House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joseph Moor, Grocer (approx. 0.3 miles away); As you are on the old Glen Echo Trolley line… (approx. 0.4 miles away); The General Lafayette sign on the side of the garden… (approx. 0.4 miles away); Native American Home Site (approx. 0.4 miles away in Virginia); Glenmore (approx. 0.4 miles away in Virginia); Palisades Recreation Center (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Indian Spring (approx. 0.4 miles away in Virginia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Catherine N Ball, January 7, 2024
2. Navigation of the Potomac Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2023, by Catherine N Ball of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 25, 2023, by Catherine N Ball of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on January 8, 2024, by Catherine N Ball of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
