Before trucks, trains and planes — most everything moved on the water. It’s why the big cities of early America were established on rivers, bays or the coastline. Some freight was moved inland, and coal, crops and raw materials returned using the Conestoga wagons that began operating in the mid 17 hundreds. But as America grew, and grew west, people like George Washington knew canals were the answer. So he pushed for a canal that would parallel the Potomac River, going from Washington D.C to Pittsburgh on the Ohio River — linking the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio and Mississippi River system. Long after he was gone, they began digging the C&O Canal. It finally stoped moving freight in the 1920’s — and was nearly paved over — becoming a highway. But in the end, the tow path and the canal was preserved, and now, once again, the packet boats are running. Locks, gates and walls on the canal were rebuilt due to efforts and fundraising from Georgetown Heritage and The National Park Service.  So once again you can experience a bit of Old Americana — saved on what they call “The Grand Old Ditch.”

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