Lockhouse 25

Lockhouse 25 had been nestled in the sleepy town of Edwards Ferry in Montgomery County, Maryland for 31 years when the Civil War erupted in the spring of 1861. The little brick lockhouse, along with the lockkeeper and his family, would see the movements of both Union and Confederate troops crossing the river to battles not so distant.

Throughout the war, the canal was a target of confederate forces determined to interrupt commerce along the canal. Locks, aqueducts, dams, and even boats were subject to destruction and harassment from Confederate and Union troops. The citizens of Edwards Ferry who were reluctant to leave their homes would see the beginning and end of three Confederate Campaigns into Maryland, as well as the occupation of their farm fields by Union forces ordered to protect the canal. As the war moved south into Virginia, life at Edwards Ferry and the C&O Canal calmed. Canal boat traffic would resume and commerce would again flow through the lock. Warehouses were filled and stores built without worry of the next wave of hungry troops.

Lockhouse 25, originally completed in 1830, interprets the story of the C&O Canal and the town that surrounded Edwards Ferry during the Civil War. The lock, lockhouse and the ruins of Jarboe’s store are set next to the Edwards Ferry Boat Ramp which looks across the river to Virginia. The lockhouse is conveniently located 4.5 miles from the town of Poolesville, MD, providing access to groceries and supplies, as well as additional historical discoveries!

Note: Beginning August 1, 2023, a professional cleaning crew will no longer service this house. Guests remain responsible for leaving the house better than they found it, including removing all food and evidence thereof, sweeping the floors, cleaning and returning any house dishes back to their locations, and taking all trash with them when they leave. Cleaning supplies are provided for guest use in each house. Please see the Arrival/Departure Checklist for more details.

Details

Towpath Mile: 30.9
Parking: Parking lot adjacent to lockhouse at Edward’s Ferry.
Price Per Night: $110
Additional Fees: One-time $20 occupancy fee for groups of 6-8 only
Time Period Depicted: 1860s Civil War
Nearest Communities: Poolesville

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Lockhouse 25

Lockhouse 25

**Maintenance Scheduled at Edwards Ferry August -October 2023** 

The Lock 25 bridge will be closed for construction beginning in early August through October. This closes all access to the Edwards Ferry boat ramp and parking lot. (More information on this project can be found on the park’s website.)

Lockhouse 25 and the towpath will remain open during this time, and construction will be limited to weekdays only. Parking will be available on either side of Edwards Ferry Road outside of the park entrance gate (closed). Overnight guests will still need to place their parking permit on their dashboard; day visitors will not.

The Trust is working on designating two parking spots for Canal Quarters guests. To access either Lockhouse 25 or the towpath, you will need to follow a footpath through a grassy area and cross the canal via a set of stairs. The stairs will include a narrow rail for bicycles. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Thank you!

Features & Amenities

  • No Heat
  • No Electricity
  • Water: Chisel Branch Hiker Biker Campsite at towpath mile at 30.5.(.3 miles) – Apr 15-Nov 15
  • Outdoor fire ring
  • Adjacent picnic table
  • Two bedrooms with two twins and two trundles each
  • Outdoor portable toilet
  • Linens and pillows not provided
  • Fireplaces are NOT functional

Location

Lockhouse 25
End of Edwards Ferry Rd.
Poolesville, MD 20837
Click here for directions and map.

Check-In: 3:00 p.m.

Check-Out: 10:00 a.m.

“This adventure started off our Historical Summer of Learning. What a great way to start it off. I really enjoyed the house and learning about the C&O Canal. Can’t wait to come back maybe for a longer stay!” – Canal Quarters Guest

“Awesome to feel like a part of history. A beautiful setting with a lot of stories hidden in the walls. Till next time…” – Kenny Walker, Harpers Ferry, WV