Williamsport in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Life on the Canal

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Life on the Canal wayside image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 11, 2023

1. Life on the Canal wayside

Inscription.
In 1859, the Chesapeake and Ohio operated from Cumberland to Georgetown. In that year an anonymous writer signed on as a crew member to work a canal boat. Follow the voyage of Williamsport canal boat Captain Cross and his crew. Travel down the C&O Canal on his boat “Caroline of Williamsport” and experience Life on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal 1859!

“The trip was not to be a picnic or a personally conduction excursion, and I soon found that it was not to be a junket. I was to go as a boatman, to work, dress, eat and sleep as other boatmen did.”

Cumberland
”…the boat was towed up to the basin…the coal was dumped…tons at a time…furnishing the 120 tons that the boat carried.”

Williamsport
”While waiting at Williamsport the captain made an awning of cotton cloth covering the steering deck and cabin. This made the boat very comfortable through the long hot days that followed.”

Georgetown
At Georgetown….the captain reported that the boat would be unloaded.”

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

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 1859.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

39° 36.054′ N, 77° 49.558′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Potomac Street (U.S. 11) and Commerce Street (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling west. The marker stands on the grounds of the Williamsport C&O Canal center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 W Potomac St, Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. C&O 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, measured in a direct line); Gettysburg Campaign (about 500 feet away); Cushwa Basin/Williamsport (about 500 feet away); Williamsport (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Regarding Life on the Canal. The third sentence should probably refer to “canal boat owner Captain Cross”.

Also see . . . Visit the C&O Canal at Williamsport. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on February 28, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

The former Williamsport Trolley Barn Power Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 15, 2019

2. The former Williamsport Trolley Barn Power Station

Three waysides are located near the far-right window.

The former Cushwa Coal & Brick Warehouse is the National Park Visitor Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 15, 2019

3. The former Cushwa Coal & Brick Warehouse is the National Park Visitor Center

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 28, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.