National Park Service Chesapeake & Ohio Canal  
Experience Your America (tm) History of the Canal
 
History
Nature
Recreation
Calendar of Events
Kids Page
Meet the Mules
Visitor Centers
News and Press
Boat Rides
Volunteers / Partners
Home
Towpath Tour Slideshow

History

In the 19th century the C&O Canal provided jobs and opportunities for people throughout the Potomac River Valley. Today the canal's remains provide a place to recreate and enjoy nature, but most importantly they tell the story of the canal's important role in many aspects of American history. These include western expansion, transportation, engineering, the Civil War, immigration, industry and commerce.

| History | People | Floods | Civil War | Canal Operation | Canal Construction | Patowmack Canal | Canal Structures | Historic Photographs | Towpath Towns | Saving Our History | CCC | Canal Links|Most Asked Questions | Eastern National Association | Scenes from the Towpath |