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.
Bridges built over Washington’s Little Falls had a way of disappearing during the first part of the 1800s. Floods washed away two wooden bridges and the first namesake chain suspension bridge built over the river. Learn more.
Bridges built over Washington’s Little Falls had a way of disappearing during the first part of the 1800s. Floods washed away two wooden bridges and the first namesake chain suspension bridge built over the river. But every time a flood took one away, another was built in its place. Good thing. The site is rich in history.
During the British attack on Washington in 1814, a State Department clerk hid the Declaration of Independence and other important documents at Patterson’s Mill on the Virginia side of the bridge. Dolley Madison made a separate escape across the bridge with a wagon full of valuables. And the Virginia side of the bridge was also the site of an aborted duel between Vice President Henry Clay and Virginia Senator John Randolph (no politicians were harmed!).
Maybe the most well-known person associated with the bridge was the “sleeping sentinel” of the Civil War. Near the beginning of the war, Confederate sentinels were stationed on the Virginia side of the bridge and Union sentinels were stationed on the other. After falling asleep at his post, Union Private William Scott was sentenced to be “shot until dead” for his ill-timed nap. Fortunately, the private was well-liked and his regiment petitioned President Lincoln for a pardon—and it was granted. It has been remembered as the most famous instance of Lincoln’s ercy.
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:
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.