You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
The Brunswick area was once home to the Susquehanna Native Americans. Because of the eel fishing in the Potomac River at that time, the area was named Eel Town or Eel Pot. Learn more.
The Brunswick area was once home to the Susquehanna Native Americans. Because of the eel fishing in the Potomac River at that time, the area was named Eel Town or Eel Pot. As European Americans settled there, the town’s name changed from Berlin to Barry and finally to Brunswick when it was incorporated in 1890, since many of the railroad workers residing there were from Brunswick, Germany.
Brunswick began as a trading post on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. The post grew into a bustling canal town with a population of 300 residents by the late 1880s. But when the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad purchased much of the land along the canal and built their freight yards and maintenance shops in Brunswick, the town grew to nearly 2,500 people. The railroad has defined Brunswick ever since. Brunswick has followed the ups and downs of railroad transportation from a busy hub during World War II to a commuter community today. Brunswick is a major stop on the MARC Train line, and many of town residents commute to Washington D.C. by train.
Brunswick has a quaint downtown area with restaurants, specialty shops, a museum, a C&O Canal Visitor Center, and three murals. Brunswick hosts many regular town events, including a Springfest in May and Railroad Days in October.
Download brochure: C&O Canal Trail to History: Point of Rocks, Brunswick, Harpers Ferry
We know that to preserve something, you need to experience it, so we are proud to provide support to the C&O National Historical Park as their official philanthropic partner.
Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
For more information and nearby places to stay or grab a bite to eat, please visit our local tourism partners:
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C&O Canal Explorer!
There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains open to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Visitor services, including park visitor centers and other NPS-staffed facilities, will not be available. Inquiries to the National Park Service will not be received or responded to until the shutdown ends.
The C&O Canal Trust’s staff are currently working remotely. Scheduled Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled. While a federal government shutdown is in effect, visitors should not expect services typically provided by the National Park Service to be available. All visitors are urged to practice safety in the park and plan ahead. Be a good park steward by recreating responsibly and practicing Leave No Trace principles, respecting cultural and natural resources.
Information regarding the Department of Interior’s Operations in the Absence of Appropriations can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/shutdown.
When federal funding is restored, we look forward to continuing to work with our park partner to ensure the C&O Canal remains beautiful, safe, and welcoming for visitors today and for future generations. Love the Park? Help the Trust! Consider making a donation. Your support directly helps fund beautification, conservation, education, and preservation initiatives in the park.