Did you know the holiday commonly known as Presidents Day is federally known as Washington’s Birthday?
So, this year let’s celebrate George Washington and his connection to the C&O Canal!
George Washington was amongst the first group of people to see the value in creating a canal on the Potomac. After touring the area in 1784, the vision to create an easier way to transport goods began to take shape. This brought about the formation of the Potowmack Company in 1785, chartered by George Washington. The Potowmack Company first set out to create skirting canals along Great Falls (Virginia side) being as it was one of the more turbulent areas. During his presidency from 1789-1797, Washington kept an eye on the project through his Thomas Johnson. He returned to the company after his time as president before his death in 1799. Later when the Potowmack Company closed the C&O Canal Company made the canal we know today!
To learn more about Presidents and the C&O click the button below!
Photos courtesy of the NPS
