Mountain Lock Area

Lock 37 located two and a third miles downstream from the Antietam Aqueduct, is considered one of the most scenic spots along the canal. It was known as Mountain Lock, perhaps because of the beautiful mountain that rises behind it but that required the canal to be built close to the river with rocky cliffs on the berm side for about half a mile downstream. Upstream from the lock is a wide basin for perhaps 75 yards.

In December 1876 the store was being operated by Joseph Lewis who requested that his lease be extended for five additional years. At the same time he also asked that his lease be extended to cover control of the towpath for marketing purposes as his grocery business had been hurt by competition from peddlers and others selling produce on the towpath. The lockkeeper was authorized to collect tolls at this location, which indicates that a certain number of boats began or ended their trips here, doubtless carrying cargo from businesses and farms in the vicinity.