Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hancock
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
| — | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | — |
Situated on the Potomac River at the narrowest point in the state of Maryland the town of Hancock is rich in history. The town is named for Joseph Hancock, Jr., who ferried travelers, traders, and commerce across the Potomac.
In 1818, the National Pike, Hancock's Main Street, opened, bringing an increased flow of travelers to town. Hancock enjoyed its second boom when work on the C&O Canal was conducted in the 1830s. During the Civil War, Hancock became an important town in the struggle for control of the canal and the Potomac.
[Sidebar:]
Towns along the C&O Canal
Since 1828 and the beginnings of the C&O Canal, towns along this waterway have both benefited from the commerce on the canal and supported those who used the canal.
Expand your canal experience with a visit into Hancock, and take in the history and services available today in this classic canal town.
[Caption:]
Today the Hancock Town Museum and Welcome Center focus on local history and transportation. Other attractions include an antique mall, specialty shops and a variety of restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or pedal along the C&O Canal towpath and Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Erected by National
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • 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 1818.
Location. 39° 41.882′ N, 78° 10.952′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Berm Road west of South Pennsylvania Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 S Pennsylvania Ave, Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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: A different marker also named Hancock (about 300 feet away, measured
Another marker is no longer nearby. Hancock (has been replaced with this marker).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 12, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
