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.
Did You Know?
George Washington's dream of connecting the eastern states with the western frontier led to the creation of the Patowmack Company. Locks were built around unnavigable parts of the Potomac River for improved commerce. The C&O Canal inherited the right of way after the Patowmack Company's demise.