Stories

Here is an image of an upstream portion of the Potomac Canal in Great Falls Park picnic area. The Canal was filled in here for historic preservation.

NPS Photo: A. Toure

Humans have lived and navigated routes in this area for more than ten thousand years. Discover the rich history of Great Falls Park VA here:

1. What has happened here in the past? Check out the parks timeline see the layers of history that can be explored at Great Falls.
2. Great Falls Park's historic feature, The Patowmack Canal, is one of the country's first canals. It was an engineering experiment that captivated George Washington most of his life. Explore these articles to learn about the development of this civil engineering landmark.
3. Read about the Amusement Park era's Carousels of Great Falls, a favorite of many visitors during the early years of the park.