Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 54
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
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.
At lock 54, only the tops of the tan sandstone lock walls can be seen. The lock was filled in 1974 with earth to preserve it. Because of its proximity to Dam No. 6, this lock also had a feeder channel between the towpath and the Potomac River. The lockhouse burned in 1981, but its stone foundation is still here.
At lock 54, only the tops of the tan sandstone lock walls can be seen. The lock was filled in 1974 with earth to preserve it. Because of its proximity to Dam No. 6, this lock also had a feeder channel between the towpath and the Potomac River. The lockhouse burned in 1981, but its stone foundation is still here.