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Cabin John is a small, woodsy residential community in Bethesda, Maryland. It is home to about 2,300 people and many small businesses. Learn more.
Cabin John is a small, woodsy residential community in Bethesda, Maryland. It is home to about 2,300 people and many small businesses. Like many communities along the Potomac, Cabin John’s development and growth was shaped by the C&O Canal. The Canal, and later the Washington Aqueduct, brought settlers to the area.
There are several legends about how Cabin John got its name including an early landowner, a tavern owner, a hermit, and a pirate to name a few. Early records dating back to 1715 refer to “Captain John’s Run” and Cabin John is thought to possibly be a corrupt spelling of Captain John. Regardless of how it got it’s name, the area now known as Cabin John is a close-knit community with a small-town feel in a big town location.
Throughout the years, the residents of Cabin John have maintained a very close sense of community. Cabin John residents, through its very active civic association, have been instrumental in preserving the small town feel of this Canal Town. The local Clara Barton Community Center is a gathering place for many and offers activities, a summer camp, exercise room and annual events. The sense of fun and fellowship, as well as civic engagement enjoyed by the residents here, is evident in the many annual events and volunteer opportunities that the area is known for.
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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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.