'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.'
"This famous old Canal was built in the 1820's before the Conception of railroads. By a series of locks, one of which is shown in the pix, this canal was the original means of travel between Washington and Cumberland, following the bed of the Potomac River. It was completed with business on this waterway that the B. & O. R. R. was conceived and built in 1828." [The boat is being towed along by mules on the left side of the pix].
!["This famous old Canal was built in the 1820's before the Conception of railroads. By a series of locks, one of which is shown in the pix, this canal was the original means of travel between Washington and Cumberland, following the bed of the Potomac River. It was completed with business on this waterway that the B. & O. R. R. was conceived and built in 1828." [The boat is being towed along by mules on the left side of the pix].](/thumb/032069.jpg "Chesapeake & Ohio Canal")
