Bethesda in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Dalecarlia Tunnel
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2021
1. Dalecarlia Tunnel Marker
In the nineteenth century, boats along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal transported coal from Cumberland, Maryland to Georgetown in the District of Columbia. By the early twentieth century, trains had replaced boats as a means of transportation and western Pennsylvania had replaced Cumberland as the source of coal. This spur route used by the Baltimore and Ohio, America's first railroad, later to become part of the CSX Corporation, followed the river downstream to Georgetown passing under MacArthur Boulevard by means of the Dalecarlia Tunnel. The Roman arch brick tunnel is 18 feet wide by 341 feet long. Architectural features of note are the four "step backs or "duck ins in the tunnel providing protection to track walkers caught in the tunnel at train time. The construction date, 1910, is prominent in the brick at both entrances to the tunnel.
Erected by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Park and Planning, Montgomery County, Maryland.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Montgomery Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location.
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: The Georgetown Branch Railroad (approx. Ό mile away); John Dugger (approx. Ό mile away); Original Federal Boundary Stone, District of Columbia, Northwest 4 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chestnut Blight (approx. 0.4 miles away in District of Columbia); The American Chestnut (approx. 0.4 miles away in District of Columbia); Restoring the Chestnut (approx. 0.4 miles away in District of Columbia); Inlet Locks (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lockhouse 6 (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethesda.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 8, 2021
2. The Dalecarlia Tunnel
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2021, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,197 times since then and 77 times this year. Last updated on March 20, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2021, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
