C&O Canal Lock 24 (Riley's Lock)

Lock 24

Paul Graunke

Quick Facts

Location:

Potomac, Maryland

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Water - Drinking/Potable

Along the 184.5 miles of the canal are 74 lift locks. These locks were put into place to help boats overcome the 605-foot elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland. The C&O Canal is like a staircase, canal boats traveled along the flat sections and used the locks to take a “step up or down” about eight feet. The locks typically had hand-operated miter gates that were simple and followed Leonardo da Vinci’s original 1485 design. Entering the lock was the most demanding part of canalling.  

Here, the Seneca Aqueduct and Lock 24 are combined into a single structure. The only place along the canal were this was necessary. The aqueduct and lock are made of Seneca red sandstone quarried just west of here. That same sandstone was used to build the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC. Construction of the aqueduct and lock was completed in 1832 at a cost of $32,000.
 

Lock 24 is also known as Riley's Lock.