• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

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Preserving and protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the park is a vital part of the C&O Canals mission. As park visitors, you play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the park and its history. Thank you all very much for your continued efforts of preservation, protection, and enjoyment of park resources.

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.