“Down the Old Potomac”
This rare 1917 short film was made by the Edison Company
to show in theaters before the main show. It shows the
operation of the C&O Canal: its locks and canal boats,
passage through the Paw Paw Tunnel, railroad traffic next
to the canal, and Harpers Ferry and Great Falls. Because
the C&O Canal operated long after most canals had stopped
running (until 1924), this film provides a unique glimpse
of what canal life was like in the early 20th century.
“Healthy Living” Podcasts
Listening to a C&O Canal Trust podcast is an excellent
way to enjoy the park, whether you are at home, in your
car, or, yes, at the park. Simply download the audio file
to your computer or portable media player and listen at
your convenience.
These podcasts were developed by the
Trust in cooperation with the interpretive staff of the
C&O Canal National
Historical Park for the recently-concluded “Healthy
Living” project. This effort sought to promote healthy
lifestyles and, in particular, walking in national parks.
Writers and Voices of the C&O Canal NHP interpretive
staff: Leslie Brodhead, Mark Myers, John McCarthy, Karl
Leonartson and Harry Hagen, Hannah Dixon, Ruth Sexton,
Geof Suiter, and Lisa Berret.
Volunteer Voices: Molly Briggs, Lauren Clingan, Liam McKee,
Richard Yates, Samantha Yates.
Music performed by Bill Justice, Dan Kirkwood, Ruth Sexton,
Karl Leonartson, John McCarthy.
Producer: David Lillard
Along the C&O Canal
This invitation
to explore the C&O
introduces listeners to the history, structures
and special places along the canal.
How the Canal Worked
Learn about the engineering marvels and architectural
wonders that made the C&O Canal work as a transportation
cog in the nation's westward expansion.
Nature along the C&O
Learn about the Potomac River's distinctive nature
character as it falls from the Allegheny Mountains
toward Tidewater Potomac in Washington, D.C., and
how these values continually affected life on the
C&O Canal.
