C&O Canal Lock 5

Lock 5 of the C & O Canal

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Picnic Table, Public Transit, Restroom

In 1829, President John Quincy Adams laid the cornerstone of Lock #5. Floods damaged the lock in the 19th century, and the upper red sandstone stones were added, probably to avert even more flood damage. The lower, grey-colored stone is original and came from Aquia creek and from a quarry less than 1 mile form this site. Level 4, between Lift Lock 5 and Lift Lock 4 (between Thomas Jefferson St and 31st Street in Georgetown, Washington DC) is four miles long.