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

Boats Passing By

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

1. Boats Passing By Marker

Inscription. In days past, while standing on the edge of the canal one would see a variety of boats float by. During the peak operating years of the C&O Canal in the 1870's, as many as 550 freight boats were in use on the canal carrying tons of coal from Cumberland to Georgetown. These were the most common boats associated with the canal. Mule drawn freighters were only part of the story, a story that can be told in boats.

[text with top right photo] Work Boats. Maintenance boats helped maintain the waterway by removing aquatic growth and debris, and responding to breaches and flood damage.

[text with middle right photo] Launches. At the turn of the 20th century small engine-powered boats called launches or cruisers were used to explore and conduct canal business.

[text with bottom right photo] Packet Boats. Horse drawn packet boats provided commercial excursions and passenger transportation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 39° 35.952′ N, 77° 49.595′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. It is on Salisbury Street 0.1 miles west of Commerce Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is along the canal tow path, at the base

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of the Salisbury Street bridge that crosses over the canal. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The C&O Canal in the Civil War at Williamsport (within shouting distance of this marker); Doubleday Hill (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Light's Ford and Lemen's Ferry (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Doubleday Hill (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Williamsport (about 500 feet away); The C&O Canal in Williamsport (about 500 feet away); Life on the Canal (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Life on the Canal (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Other markers no longer nearby. Abner Doubleday (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Creating a National Park (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

2. Boats Passing By Marker

View south from the marker. The bridge in this photo is Salisbury Street.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

3. Boats Passing By Marker

View north toward the railroad lift bridge. The highway bridge beyond that is US route 11, and the Cushwa Basin is beyond the highway bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.