Williamsport Cushwa Basin by Beth Sherwood.
Situated at the meeting point of the Potomac River and Conococheague Creek, Williamsport holds a significant place in American and C&O Canal history. Before it was a Canal Town, Williamsport was used as a trading location and transportation hub for groups of Indigenous people. As European settlers moved westward, they too recognized the area’s potential to move goods east and west on the Potomac, and north to what would become Hagerstown. The growing nation developed Williamsport into a center for commerce and trade, first through the C&O Canal and later via railroads and trolleys. It remained a critical juncture for moving people and goods through World War II, when its prosperity began to decline. Aided by the establishment of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and new highway systems, Williamsport now flourishes as a vital C&O Canal Town and a hub for tourism.
Today, Williamsport is home to beloved community establishments, like Tony’s Pizza and River Bottom Roasters alongside new additions such as Sweet Notes Bakery and Mile Marker 99 Bicycle Shop. By remembering our shared history and honoring the past, Williamsport and other Canal Towns remain vibrant places for community connection and growth.
For many of us, Williamsport is also known for its historic structures, like Cushwa Warehouse and Conococheague Aqueduct, and the hospitality provided by its community members. Thousands of us visit Cushwa and the park each year to fish, cycle, socialize, hike, and unwind. We marvel at the engineering feats of the lift bridge and wonder what it was like to be the lockkeeper at lockhouse 44, on watch 24/7. As we learn and play in the park, we also must take care of it, ensuring its historical, natural, and recreational resources will remain for future generations.
For 18 years, our dedicated volunteers have come to Williamsport to help protect and preserve this park and its resources. Last year at Canal Community Days, volunteers removed over 20,000 pounds of trash and invasive plants throughout the entire park. Thank you for making a difference! This past month, on Saturday May 3, 2025, a group of our canal community members gathered to do just that.
Photos by Trust Staff
Over 60 volunteers worked together to girdle English ivy on 12 trees, paint 15 structures, remove 450 pounds of invasive vegetation, spread 19 cubic yards of mulch, and collect 375 pounds of trash. We were joined in Williamsport by Maryland State Senator Mike McKay and Washington County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Paul Frey, who shared their appreciation with volunteers and their commitment to the protection of the park. Thank you to everyone who helped us make the park shine! As summer begins, we can’t wait to see more of our canal community out enjoying the park and experiencing the small town charm of Williamsport. We are grateful for our passionate community of supporters and volunteers — people like you — who help ensure the park and its resources are protected for today and preserved for the future.
Thank you to our
2025 Canal Community Days Sponsors!
Canal Visionary
Canal Explorer
Canal Traveler
Canal Preserver
AC&T Co., Inc.
The Butz Foundation
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Exelon Corporation
Sam’s Club
Younger Toyota
Lockkeeper
Home Depot
Tri-State Stone and Building Supply
Small Business Sponsors
Bagels and Grinds
Cushwa Brewing
Mile 99 Bike Shop
River Bottom Roasters
Still Smokin’ BBQ
Sweet Notes Bakery
Tony’s Pizza
Top Photo by Trust Staff
