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This photograph of a collection of boats tied up in the canal raised many questions. The photograph was taken after 1902 since the boats belong to the Canal Towage Company. The Conococheague Aqueduct can be seen upstream. It is possible there is low water or the canal is silted, for the boats are not situated close to the edge of the canal - note the plank from the boat to the bank. In the midst of the large canal boat is a small boat, possibly that of the paymaster.
Mile 99.72
NPS File 1138
Boat basins along the canal served as areas in which business between the canal boats and industry along the canal could occur without obstructing the flow of traffic along the canal. They were also places in which canal boats could dock for the night or wait for a turn through a lock or across an aqueduct. Many industries had access to boat basins such as at Antietam Village, Millers Saw Mill, Cushwa Warehouse, and many others.