Georgetown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Canal Square
The history of Canal Square
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2025
1. Canal Square Marker
Canal Square has seen more than a century and a half of change in Georgetown. It is a typical brick and fieldstone industrial structure built to facilitate barge traffic on the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal. Necessary for westward expansion, canals were the primary means of moving goods before the development of the railways. The building served as a barrel maker's warehouse until 1892, when it was purchased by Dr. Herman Holerith, a self-styled statistical engineer involved in developing the 1890 and 1900 census. In 1924, Dr. Hotherith's tabulating company and several competing businesses were incorporated as International Business Machines (IBM). After IBM consolidated its operations, 1054 reverted to warehouse status and was almost demolished to make way for a parking lot in the 1960s. Architect and developer Arthur Cotton-Moore resurrected 1054 and its adjoining parcels into Canal Square. This 19th century warehouse and its 1970s addition has become a European-style town square.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 38° 54.268′ N, 77° 3.677′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Herman Hollerith (a few steps from this marker); A Long Stretch of Quiet and Peace (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Georgetown House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Georgetown House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Canal Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Creating a National Park (about 300
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, March 23, 2025
2. Canal Square Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The History of Canal Square (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Georgetown House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
