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

Cushwa Basin/Williamsport

Photographed By F. Robby, June 29, 2016

1. Cushwa Basin/Williamsport Marker

Inscription. Williamsport is located near the midway point of the 184.5 mile-long C & O Canal. Cushwa Basin was a turning basin where the 90 to 95 foot-long canal boats could turn around, one of only a few along the length of the canal system. This allowed boats not heading all the way to Washington to unload cargo before returning to the western terminus. Many local mills in Williamsport provided cargo such as wheat, grain, and bricks for the canal.

Williamsport features a number of significant canal structures including the Conococheague Aqueduct, Lock 44 and a unique railroad lift bridge.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 39° 36.047′ N, 77° 49.658′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from Potomac Street (U.S. 11). Marker is along the C&O Canal Towpath, between the Cushwa Basin and the Conococheague Aqueduct. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport MD 21795, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Williamsport (here, next to this marker); C & O Canal Aqueduct (here, next to this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (here,

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next to this marker); Life on the Canal (a few steps from this marker); C&O Canal (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Life on the Canal (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named C&O Canal (about 500 feet away); Welcome to Williamsport (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Photographed By F. Robby, June 29, 2016

2. Cushwa Basin/Williamsport Marker

Photographed By F. Robby, June 29, 2016

3. Cushwa Basin/Williamsport Marker

View south along the towpath. The marker on the right, along with a park information sign. The Cushwa Basin is to the left.

Cushwa Basin image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, June 27, 2016

4. Cushwa Basin

View of the basin directly opposite the marker location.

Photographed By F. Robby, June 29, 2016

5. Lock 44

Lock 44 is located about 1/2 mile south of the marker.

Railroad Lift Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, June 27, 2016

6. Railroad Lift Bridge

The railroad lift bridge is about 500 feet south of this marker.

Conococheague Aqueduct image. Click for full size.

Photographed By F. Robby, June 27, 2016

7. Conococheague Aqueduct

The Conococheague Aqueduct is just about 100 feet north of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 443 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on July 16, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 15, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 7. submitted on July 16, 2016, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.