C&O Canal

The C&O Canal, or Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, is a historical waterway built in the 19th century along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Designed primarily for transporting coal and other goods, it spans about 184 miles and features lock systems that manage elevation changes. Although it was eventually replaced by railroads for freight, today it’s a scenic national historic park offering recreational activities like hiking, biking, and boating. The canal preserves an important piece of transportation history, showcasing early engineering efforts to connect regional markets and facilitate commerce before the rise of rail transport.