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.

The C&O Canal NHP has partnered with the Washington County Free Library and Western Maryland Regional Library in a project to produce an online collection on the C&O Canal in Washington County.  The website includes over 200 historic photographs, historic maps, oral histories, and newspaper articles.  The project was partially funded by a grant from the PNC Foundation Legacy Project distributed by the Maryland Humanities Council. Click here for more information.