Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 66
Paul Graunke
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Scenic View/Photo Spot
Along the 184.5 miles of the canal are 74 lift locks. These locks were put into place to help boats overcome the 605-foot elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland. The C&O Canal is like a staircase, canal boats traveled along the flat sections and used the locks to take a “step up or down” about eight feet. The locks typically had hand-operated miter gates that were simple and followed Leonardo da Vinci’s original 1485 design. Entering the lock was the most demanding part of canalling.
Lock 66 is 8th of the upper 13 locks that was constructed as a “composite lock”, or a lock made with more than one material. It is made of kyanized (treated) wood and uncut stone. The walls have bolts to hold the sheathing in place, but no wood remains. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
The Canal Company eliminated Lock 65 to reduce costs, therefore, this lock, along with Locks 62, 63 1/3, and 64 2/3 have a 10’ lift to make up for the elimination.
A carpenter shop used to exist here but burned down in the 1960s. Only a few stones from the foundation of the lockhouse remain.
Lock 66 is 8th of the upper 13 locks that was constructed as a “composite lock”, or a lock made with more than one material. It is made of kyanized (treated) wood and uncut stone. The walls have bolts to hold the sheathing in place, but no wood remains. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
The Canal Company eliminated Lock 65 to reduce costs, therefore, this lock, along with Locks 62, 63 1/3, and 64 2/3 have a 10’ lift to make up for the elimination.
A carpenter shop used to exist here but burned down in the 1960s. Only a few stones from the foundation of the lockhouse remain.