• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

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  • Paw Paw Tunnel Towpath Open

    The rockslide at Paw Paw Tunnel towpath has been cleared. The towpath is now open for hikers and bikers.

  • Georgetown Boat Rides Suspended

    Boat rides at Georgetown are suspended until further notice. For a mule-drawn boat ride please contact Great Falls Tavern.

Kids Canal Page

Jr. Ranger summer camp Hancock

Kids at a Jr. Ranger summer camp

NPS Photo

Hi Kids! Welcome to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal's kid page. A page designed to help you learn all about the C&OCanal!

Click under the small photos on the right to learn about plants, animals, and canal history. Have fun exploring the C&O Canal.

  • Click here to learn about mules on the C&O Canal Click here to learn about mules on the C&O Canal

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  • Click here to see how a lock works Click here to see how a lock works

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  • Click here to learn about flowers on the canal Click here to learn about flowers on the canal

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Did You Know?

Photo of park rangers interpreting building the canal.

Canal historians estimate approximately 35,000 laborers helped dig the canal as well as build aqueducts, culverts, locks, lock houses, etc.  It took 22 years to build the canal from Georgetown, DC to Cumberland, MD.  Much of the workforce were immigrants from Ireland and western Europe.