Near McLean in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Great Falls Canal and Locks
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
1. Great Falls Canal and Locks Marker
Civil Engineering Landmark
Great Falls Canal and Locks
Constructed 1785-1802. Operated until 1821
These works were the major feature
of the first river navigation system
for trade with the west.
This pioneer waterway was begun
under the leadership of George Washington
as president of the Potowmack Company, 1785-89.
Erected by American Society of Civil Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 38° 59.425′ N, 77° 14.977′ W. Marker is near McLean, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It can be reached from the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Georgetown Pike (Virginia Route 193). Located along the Great Falls National Park main trail, near the old locks of the Potowmack Canal. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mc Lean VA 22102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the 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 the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Company House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mather Gorge (about 800 feet away); Matildaville (approx. 0.2
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Potowmack Canal. National Park Service article about the canal. (Submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Potowmack Canal and Locks. American Society of Civil Engineering reference for the canal. (Submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
2. Marker Stone
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
3. Site of Company House
A house on this site, built in the 1790s, was used by the Potowmack Company for the Canal Superintendent, then later the lock keepers.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
4. Gate for the Holding Basin
Water was held here behind wooden gates. The impounded water was used to fill locks for boats passing through the canal.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
5. How a Lock Worked
First Step: A boat going downstream entered the lock at its upper end. At the lower end a gate kept the water in.
Second Step: The upper gate was then closed. Valves in the lower gate were opened and the water level was lowered to the elevation of the next lock downstream.
Third Step: The lower gate was opened and the boat proceeded to the next lock. For boats going upstream, the procedure was reversed.
Second Step: The upper gate was then closed. Valves in the lower gate were opened and the water level was lowered to the elevation of the next lock downstream.
Third Step: The lower gate was opened and the boat proceeded to the next lock. For boats going upstream, the procedure was reversed.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
6. Lock Entrance and Gate
Note the recess in the walls for the gates to set flush when opened.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
7. Lock Number 1
Lock 1 is the better preserved of the set.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
8. Another in the Series of Locks
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
9. The Lower Set of Locks
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 29, 2007
10. And Finally the Chute to the River Below the Falls
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,783 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on January 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
