Last updated: October 10, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 74
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.
Lock 74 is 2nd of the 3 locks in North Branch and was completed in 1841 but was rebuilt in 1869. It is made of limestone from Evitts Creek Quarry and has a 10’ lift. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
The lockhouse that once stood here burned in 1974.
Lock 74 is 2nd of the 3 locks in North Branch and was completed in 1841 but was rebuilt in 1869. It is made of limestone from Evitts Creek Quarry and has a 10’ lift. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
The lockhouse that once stood here burned in 1974.