This picture most likely records the 1924 flood that resulted in the closure of the C&O Canal. The building on the right was a store that sold feed and likely also other supplies, while the lockhouse that stood between the towpath and the river is on the left. That lockhouse often flooded, but survived until finally being destroyed by the 1936 flood.
The flood of 1924 was caused by heavy rains in the Potomac valley on March 28 and 29—shortly after the canal had opened for the 1924 boating season. Since the flood of 1889 that had forced the C&O Canal Company into bankruptcy, the canal had been in receivership and under the authority the court. However the receivership was essentially controlled by the B&O Railroad that was the chief bondholder under the mortgage bonds of 1844 and 1878.
Repairs being carried out on the wall of the Conococheague Aqueduct. The berm side of the aqueduct was damaged in a 1920 accident in which Canal Boat No. 73 hit the wall and went through, landing in the creek with no loss of life but bringing the rest of the wall down with it. Instead of going to the expense of repairing so much stonework, the canal company built a wooden trough to carry boats.
Section of canal affected by a break, possibly as a result of a aqueduct wall, culvert or berm collapse. Note the large number of stones in the canal on the right of the photograph, and the mules grazing or tied near their troughs on the tow path.
The image shows the Potomac and the Conococheague flood in January 1897. The aqueduct is visible. The scene also shows the coal boats by the tracks near Cushwa Warehouse, the timber stacked up next to the lumber warehouse, later J. Arthur Miller’s Planing and Sash Factory, and the stack of the power station on the right. The electricity was generated to provide fuel for the trolley line from Hagerstown to Williamsport. There was no major connection between the power plant and the canal, though today that building is used by the National Park Service as part of their exhibition space.
6/3/1889
Box cars on the WM siding from Cushwa Warehouse to the Steffey and Findlay Siding toward the lock at Williamsport
Note the boats in the canal and the drive bridge. This ground is all west of the cemetery.
Hagerstown Mail
Hagerstown, MD Nov 30, 1877
Great Flood
The Potomac, Antietam and Conococheague higher than ever before known
Widespread Damage and Long Continued Rain.
Details of Ravages in our County.
Another break in the canal
We understand that a culvert on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, near the Point of Rocks, gave way on Monday night last, which, it is thought, cannot be repaired under three weeks. Forty-two boats, all heavily laden with Flour and Produce, are lying at this point unable to pass. This is sad information for the people of Washington County.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. - This great public work was injured by the late Confederate raids to such an incalculable extent that it is almost impossible to tell when navigation will be resumed. It appears that at the lower end of the Canal they took especial pains to do as much damage as possible. The aqueduct at the mouth of the Antietam was very materially damaged by throwing off the heavy stone walls which form the trunk, and boring holes through the archway. Lock No. 40 was also considerably injured by the walls having been excavated and thrown in.
No 4219.
Headquarters Department of Washington
Washington DC Apr. 25th 1865
Pass J. A. Wade and Team to [?] D.C. and return
Reason: Business
This Pass will expire April 25th 1865
By command of Major General Augur:
Signed [?], Capt and A.A.G.
Teams to be examined by Pickets for contraband goods
Note - This pass will be taken up by the Guard, at its expiration and returned to Headquarters.