A brief history of the C&O Canal

Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began in 1828 and the canal opened new sections as it reached a dam and the feeder lock behind it that could provide water to the section of canal below. The first 22 miles between Georgetown and Dam 2 near Seneca opened in 1831, followed by the section to Dam 3 above Harpers Ferry in 1833; to Dam 5 above Williamsport in 1835, to Dam 6 above Hancock in 1839, and finally to Dam 8 at Cumberland in 1850.