Picture of the toll bridge that was built across the Potomac at Williamsport, Maryland. The bridge was dedicated August 10, 1909 and was the only bridge in Washington County to survive the 1936 flood. Eventually this bridge was remodeled and widened and is the current bridge on Rt 11.
Photograph of the steam loader used by Cushwa’s Warehouse for the unloading of coal from boats coming from Cumberland. Canoeists, like those in the foreground, enjoyed the flat water canal for recreation. Residents along the canal could rent canoes and packet boats for sightseeing trips down the canal.
It is probable that this image of the drained canal at Williamsport was taken after the wall of the aqueduct over the Conococheague failed in 1920. There are a large number of people walking along the tow path, possibly on their way to see the destruction. The photograph was taken before the rail lift bridge over the canal was built in 1923.
The DeFrehn Chair Factory made multiple wooden chair styles and was located on the berm side of the canal above the Conococheague Aqueduct in Williamsport. The factory paid the canal for water rents in order to power the machines used to create the chairs. In 1889, a flood destroyed the factory along with a good portion of the canal. The cost to rebuild and recover from the flood was too expensive and the owners decided to move the operation to Johnstown, PA then Hornerstown, PA.
This image of the DeFrehn Chair factory was taken after the 1889 flood.
The Chair Factory after the 1889 flood.
The DeFrehn Chair Factory made multiple wooden chair styles and was located on the berm side of the canal above the Conococheague Aqueduct in Williamsport. The factory paid the canal for water rents in order to power the machines used to create the chairs. In 1889, a flood destroyed the factory along with a good portion of the canal. The cost to rebuild and recover from the flood was too expensive and the owners decided to move the operation to Johnstown, PA then Hornerstown, PA.
View of the canal looking upstream at Williamsport. In the foreground are railcars waiting to be filled with coal for transport down the line. Ahead are canal boats that are in the process of being unloaded of the coal cargo.
Electric Power Station Williamsport
The Williamsport Power Station was built between May and August of 1896 near the Cushwa Warehouse at the Basin. In order for the station to be built so quickly, the construction crews worked around the clock. It was built to furnish electric power to the trolley system that would connect Williamsport and Hagerstown for four years. By 1900 a new power station had been built by the Electric Railway Company in Hagerstown to meet the increasing needs of the rail line.
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.
Coal train at Cushwa Warehouse
The Cushwa Warehouse was constructed circa 1800. By the late 1830s, the warehouse's main commodity was coal which was sold in the local economy and for transport down to Georgetown where there was a huge demand. The building has seen multiple floods, recessions, and even Civil War battles during its time along the canal.
The Illustrated Atlas of Washington County, 1877, includes a view of the Embrey and Cushwa Warehouse.
The description reads:
Embrey & Cushwa, Canal Basin, Williamsport, Md.
Shippers and Dealers in Georges Creek Bituminous and Best Qualities of Gas and Anthracite Coals, Also Round Top Cement, Plaster, Grain, Fertilizers &C. &C
Views, Washington County, 1877.