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

The C&O Canal in Williamsport

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

1. The C&O Canal in Williamsport Marker

Inscription. Though the C&O Canal construction started in 1828, it did not reach Williamsport until 1833. During that year of construction a Cholera epidemic broke out that took the lives of 33 people. The following year the Canal and Aqueduct were completed in Williamsport. The first canal boat arrived in Williamsport from Cumberland loaded with coal in 1850. The Western Maryland Railroad reached Williamsport in 1873 presenting the Town with a clash of transportation modes. To accomodate both rail and canal traffic, in 1923 the Western Maryland Railway Lift Bridge was constructed just south of Cushwa Basin. The bridge was intended to lift the tracks to allow the passage of canal boats. That same year marked the passing of the last canal boat through Williamsport.

Williamsport is the only place on the canal where multiple examples of major canal structures can be viewed within a half-mile stretch:

Conococheague Creek Aqueduct
Cushwa Basin
Cushwa Coach & Brick Warehouse
Trolley Barn
Western Maryland Railway Lift Bridge
Iron 'Bollman'Bridge
Lock 44
Lockhouse

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 39° 36.033′ N, 77° 49.556′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. It can be reached from the intersection of Potomac Street (U.S. 11) and Commerce Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is just within the parking area for the C&O Canal National Historic Park, on the right side about 25 feet from the intersection. 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 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: Welcome to Williamsport (here, next to this marker); C&O Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Canal (within shouting distance

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

2. The C&O Canal in Williamsport Marker

Closeup on the historical text.

of this marker); a different marker also named C&O Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Life on the Canal (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Williamsport (about 500 feet away); C & O Canal Aqueduct (about 500 feet away); Gettysburg Campaign (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Other markers no longer nearby. Connecting People and Places (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Conococheague Creek Aqueduct (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Williamsport (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Creating a National Park (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

3. The C&O Canal in Williamsport Marker

This marker is on the left in this cluster of four.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

4. The C&O Canal in Williamsport Marker

View east, up Potomac Street toward the center of town.

Conococheague Creek Aqueduct image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 27, 2016

5. Conococheague Creek Aqueduct

About 500 feet west of the marker.

Cushwa Basin and Coal & Brick Warehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 27, 2016

6. Cushwa Basin and Coal & Brick Warehouse

This view taken from the towpath, about 500 feet from the marker.

Trolley Barn image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

7. Trolley Barn

The barn is located about 100 feet north of the marker. It is now used as a canal museum.

Railroad Lift Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 27, 2016

8. Railroad Lift Bridge

The lift bridge is about 100 yards southwest of the marker.

Bollman Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

9. Bollman Bridge

Located about a 1/4 mile walk from the marker, the 'Bollman' is now used as a one-way automobile bridge to access River Bottom park.

Lock 44 and the Lockhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, June 29, 2016

10. Lock 44 and the Lockhouse

These structures are about a 1/2 mile south of the Cushwa Basin.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 749 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 18, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.