Virtual Visits to National ParksThe National Park Foundation highlights the various virtual visits across the United States. After you enjoy a trip to the C&O Canal, explore other National Parks online. Learn about ancient architecture, historic sites, diverse ecosystems, National monuments, and so much more right at your fingertips! Enjoy stunning pictures, interactive tours, and videos with Virtual Visits to a National Park. 
NPS Photo Children of the CanalFind out what life was like for children on the C&O Canal back in the day! Where did they live? Where did they learn? What did they do for fun? How were their lives similar or different from yours? Learn about the life of youth that travelled along the C&O Canal during its operation. 
NPS Photo Meet the MulesMules were the engine of the canal boat, pulling a 140-ton boat eight hours a day, seven days a week. The type of cargo consisted of large amounts of coal, cement, lumber, wheat and other household items and groceries. To learn more about these strong, powerful animals, visit Meet the Mules. 
NPS Photo Archeology for KidsDo you like to dig in the dirt? Find things that are lost? Put pieces together? Figure out stories from clues? Learn about the past? These are all things archeologists do—maybe you're one, too! Archeology is tons of dirt-digging, story-telling, mystery-solving fun. Like you, many archeologists caught the archeology bug as kids. Head over to the National Park Service Archeology for Kids page for more info! 
NPS Photo Canal ConstructionThe early idea of the C&O Canal was envisioned by George Washington who dreamed of a canal in Washington DC, like “the great canals in Europe.” Actual construction did not begin until 1828 and soon after construction began, the canal companies learned their vision was not going to be an easy one to complete. Learn about the challenges builders of the Canal encountered and different phases of canal construction. Curious about the Canal's successes and eventual end of operation? Are you wondering how the Canal became a National Historical Park? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions. 
NPS Photo Conococheague AqueductThis beautifully constructed man-made water channel was designed to help carry the canal over the Conococheague Creek. For the first time since 1924, the historic Conococheague Aqueduct is fully operational, allowing a canal boat to pass over Conococheague Creek. Read about the $10.2 million dollar restoration and flip through historic and modern images of the Conococheague Acqueduct. After you've learned about this historic engineering marvel, make sure to visit it in person in Williamsport, Maryland! 
NPS Photo A New Deal for the Canal and the Civilian Conservation CorpsWhat are your favorite "second chance" stories? The flood of 1924 that closed the C&O Canal and the historic flood of 1936 seemed to doom the canal to complete collapse. Purchased by the U.S. government in 1938, the canal was revived and restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). From 1938 to 1941, these young African American men restored the damaged canal. Their work both in the canal and in the CCC classrooms built a loved National Historical Park and empowered them to develop the qualities of "cooperation, concentration, and dedication". 
Photo courtesy of C&O Canal Trust Together on the CanalFrom the start of construction in 1828, the C&O Canal did more than just connect the frontier city of Cumberland, Maryland, to the nation's capitol of Washington DC. Building it was the work of innovative engineers, skilled craftsman, and long suffering laborers. The Canal brought immigrants, locals, builders, and merchants together as both a home and work place.In spite of floods, war, and bankruptcy, the C&O Canal continued to be a place of commerce and connectedness until its closure in 1924. Discover the stories, people, and places brought together along the Canal more than 100 years ago, then visit these historic places to create your own stories and connections. 
NPS History Collections NPS History Photo GalleriesExplore history across the National Park Service through beautiful historical photographs! Play a game with collections of history, see how the NPS women uniforms changed over the years, important African American history, and so much more. Check back often to view new content!
NPS Infographic / Matt Turner The American Bison: A National SymbolThe American bison, popularly (and mistakenly) referred to as “the buffalo,” is one of America’s most recognizable symbols. In this exhibit, explore the bison though museum objects across many different disciplines including art, archaeology, natural history, and history in the collections of the Department of Interior (DOI) bureaus and offices. As you click through this interactive exhibit, learn how the conservation of bison made American history.
NPS Photo Interior Museum Digital Exhibitions
NPS Photo NPS Museum CentennialStagecoaches that carried the first visitors into Yellowstone National Park. Thomas Edison's original recordings. A nearly 40,000 year old fossilized walrus skull. The spoken reminiscences of the Tuskegee Airmen. Handcrafted pottery of the Acoma Pueblo people. National park museums preserve the treasures of our Nation. Throughout the centennial celebration we celebrate the depth and richness of the national park collections. Come back and see what's new! 
NPS Photo / Ahmad Toure Captain George PointerGeorge Pointer was an important figure to the C&O Canal as one of the first workers for the Patowmack Canal Company. George Pointer was an obscure citizen, but he accomplished great achievements during his time. Learn about his legacy through a videos, a unique craft activity, a new Junior Ranger activity, and historical articles in the links below. |
Last updated: August 16, 2025