Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 55
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 this location are Lock 55, the remains of Dam 6, and Guard Lock 6. Lock 55 was completed by Henry Smith in 1840 but was not used until the last 50 miles of the C&O Canal opened. Prior to the completion of the last 50 miles, Dam No. 6 was regarded as the terminus of the Canal from 1842 to 1850. To ship coal from Cumberland to Washington, D.C., the B&O Railroad delivered coal to this location and transferred it to the canal boats.
At this location are Lock 55, the remains of Dam 6, and Guard Lock 6. Lock 55 was completed by Henry Smith in 1840 but was not used until the last 50 miles of the C&O Canal opened. Prior to the completion of the last 50 miles, Dam No. 6 was regarded as the terminus of the Canal from 1842 to 1850. To ship coal from Cumberland to Washington, D.C., the B&O Railroad delivered coal to this location and transferred it to the canal boats.