Potomac River at Williamsport, Maryland, 1900-1906
THF204108 / Potomac River at Williamsport, Maryland, 1900-1906
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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 have continued work on the waterway, constructing canals to allow for the passage of rafts and boats. This Detroit Publishing Company photograph shows the river, a lateral canal, and tracks connecting waterway to railway.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
1900-1906
Subject Date
1900-1906
Creators
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
37.102.P.016564
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 7 in
Width: 9.25 in
Inscriptions
Written in pencil on verso: The Potomac River at Williamsport, Md.
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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.