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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.
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Georgetown Boat Rides Suspended
Boat rides at Georgetown are suspended until further notice. For a mule-drawn boat ride please contact Great Falls Tavern.
Saving Our History
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Saving Our History The C&O Canal is considered to be the best-preserved 19th century canal in the United States. The men of the Civilian Conservation Corps originally restored the first 22 miles of the canal in the 1930's. Since becoming a national historical park in 1971, the NPS has worked to protect and preserve over 1300 original structures along the canal. Major restoration work has been done at several locations including the Conococheague and Monocacy Aqueducts and the Widewater area. C&O Canal National Historical Park also develops partnerships with individuals and organizations interested in helping to rehabilitate some of its historic structures, according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Historic Leasing Program |
Did You Know?
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.