'The Chesapeake and Potomac Canal as shown from the Maryland side of the Potomac bridge. The canal out of operation since the floods of 1924 is 194 miles long and was originally at Alexandria, Va. The course of the Potomac was followed and the flow of water regulated by locals. The boats, drawn by mules, made about three miles per hour and the chief item of freight was coal. The canal was once an important artery of traffic but was worsted in competition with the B. & O. Railroads.'
