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Lockhouse 28

Completed in 1837, Lockhouse 28 stands as a reminder of the fierce competition between the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the race to reach the Ohio River Valley. At Point of Rocks the land between the Potomac River and the rocky outcropping becomes precariously narrow. Both companies knew ownership of this strip of land was imperative to winning the race to the Ohio. Adversaries in the courts for four years, both canal and railroad were given rights-of-way, with the C&O Canal allowed to build next to the river, and the B&O Railroad forced to carve its way through the hillside just above the canal.

Today, Lockhouse 28 is a rustic retreat, situated between the scenic Potomac and the still-active railroad tracks. It is the most remote of the Canal Quarters lockhouses, located nearly 1/2 mile from the nearest parking area.

Lockhouse 28 features an accessible ramp to the side door. The second floor is only accessible via stairs.
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: 48.93
Parking: Point of Rocks at towpath mile 48.2 (0.7 miles) or Lander at towpath mile 50.8 (1.87 miles)
Price Per Night: $110
Additional Fees: One-time $20 occupancy fee for groups of 6-8 only
Time Period Depicted: 1830s
Nearest Communities: Point of Rocks

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Lockhouse 28

Lockhouse 28

Features & Amenities

  • No Heat
  • No Electricity
  • Water Pump at Bald Eagle Island Hiker Biker Campsite at towpath mile 50.3 (1.37 miles) – Apr 15-Nov 15
  • Outdoor fire ring
  • Adjacent picnic table
  • One bedroom with full sized bed, one bedroom with two single and “three quarters” beds and two trundles, cot available
  • Outdoor portable toilet
  • Wheelchair ramp to first floor of lockhouse; no ADA compliant access to second floor bedrooms
  • Linens and pillows not provided
  • Fireplaces are NOT functional

Location

Lockhouse 28
Point of Rocks, MD 21777
Click here to see directions and a map.

Check-In: 3:00 p.m.

Check-Out: 10:00 a.m.

Photo Gallery: Lockhouse 28

“Thank you to all that made this possible – the Park Service, Canal Trust and Quartermasters especially. You offer a truly unique, educational, historical experience – a window into our past.” –Carolyn and Brad

“The lockhouse here was very nice. Historical and interesting, yet neat and hospitable. It’s cool to see how dark it really is at night without street lamps and the excess light that floods in from whatever city you’re nearest. Many thanks to whoever maintains the property – had a great time.” –Jeremiah