The Lower Locks, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Washington D.C., 1910-1920
THF204086 / The Lower Locks, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Washington D.C., 1910-1920
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Artifact Overview
President George Washington was devoted to improving the Potomac, the only river bisecting the Appalachian mountain barrier and an important trade route. Americans continued work on the waterway, completing the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in 1850. This photograph shows a boat using one of many lift locks, which raised or lowered water to make the canal navigable.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
1910-1920
Subject Date
1910-1920
Creators
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
37.102.P.031442
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 5.38 in
Width: 7 in
Inscriptions
In pencil on verso: The Lower Locks, C&O Canal, Washington, / D.C.
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetAmerica's Canal Era
- 34 Artifacts
In the early 19th century, Americans looked to canals for transportation. Artificial waterways carried people and goods over long distances with minimal power, extending water-borne commerce from seaports to inland communities. But canals were expensive to build and maintain, and floods, droughts and freezing weather interfered with operations. Railroads offered a better alternative and brought an end to America's canal era.