Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
C&O Canal
Williamsport: A Classic Canal Town
Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 11, 2023
1. C&O Canal - Williamsport: A Classic Canal Town wayside
In 1790 Williamsport nearly became the National Capitol as President George Washington visited the town in his search for the site of the future Federal City. But this was not to be. Decades later as construction of the Chesapeake & Onio Canal reached Williamsport in 1834, the town developed into a classic canal town.
Many families who worked the canal boats made Williamsport their winter home. Located at the junction of Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River, Williamsport served as a cross roads for commerce and trade.
Today the town maintains a historic feel from the canal era with many original structures still standing in the Cushwa Basin. Future park plans include the restoration of the Railroad Lift Bridge, Lock and Lockhouse 44, Conococheague Aqueduct and rehabilitation of the Cushwa Warehouse and Trolley Barn. A return visit to Williamsport in the future will allow visitors to experience this section of the C&O Canal as it appeared in the past
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 39° 36.056′ N, 77° 49.558′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. It can be reached from
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Life on the Canal (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named C&O Canal (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); The C&O Canal in Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Life on the Canal (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Williamsport (about 500 feet away); C & O Canal Aqueduct (about 500 feet away); Gettysburg Campaign (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.
Other markers no longer nearby. Connecting People and Places (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Conococheague Creek Aqueduct (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Williamsport (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Creating a National Park (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 15, 2019
2. The former Williamsport Trolley Barn Power Station
Three waysides are near the far-right window.
Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 15, 2019
3. The Cushwa Basin and Williamsport beyond
Photographed by Larry Gertner, May 8, 2022
4. Conococheague Aqueduct
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 27, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
