The Potomac River is rife with obstacles that thwart water transportation. Rapids and waterfalls, products of the river's elevation change, prompted C&O Canal visionaries to invest in a flat-level water route to run alongside the river. The idea was simple, but the construction quickly proved to be arduous. To bypass many of the geological obstacles, canal engineers devised unique structures such as aqueducts, lift bridges, incline planes, tunnels, and lift locks. These required the special skills of the stone cutters and masons whose work produced masonry marvels still appreciated today. Lockhouse 22 at Pennyfield reflects the early phase of canal construction, because of its lift lock and proximity to Dam 2 and its guard lock.

Pennyfield is exemplar of the basic types of structures (aqueducts, locks, and lock houses) built along the C&O Canal. The furnishings in Lockhouse 22 are evocative of the mid-1830s to early 1840s period.

If you'd like to learn more about the Pennyfield area, the NPS Cultural Landscapes Inventory provides a thorough overview.

Location Towpath Mile: 19.64 Parking: Available Nearest Communities: Historic Tobytown Potomac Features & Amenities No Heat No Electricity Water pump at Swains Lock (Lock 21) at towpath mile 16.64 (3 miles) - Apr 15-Oct 10 Fireplace not operational Fire ring Picnic table Two bedrooms with two twins and two trundles each Portable toilet Linens not provided

Click any photo to view all slides of Lockhouse 22. Photos by: Chris Hanessian & Jeff Hutman

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The Canal Quarters program would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of the volunteers who oversee the lockhouses... More

"Canal Quarters is one of the most exciting and innovative interpretive programs in the National Park Service. It offers our visitors an opportunity to enjoy the park..." More