Last updated: September 10, 2021
Place
C&O Canal Lock 69
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 69, also known as Twigg’s Lock, was completed in late 1849 to early 1850. It is the 11th 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. However, the use of wood created many problems. The wood lining in many of these locks were replaced by concrete from 1891–1924. A stop gate was placed on the upstream end of the lock to keep water in the canal as part of the Battie Mixon fishing area. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
The name of the lock comes from the family that used to serve as locktenders. No remnants of the lockhouse remain.
Locks 69-71 are considered as the Oldtown Locks. This watered section of the canal is part of the Battie Mixon fishing area.
Lock 69, also known as Twigg’s Lock, was completed in late 1849 to early 1850. It is the 11th 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. However, the use of wood created many problems. The wood lining in many of these locks were replaced by concrete from 1891–1924. A stop gate was placed on the upstream end of the lock to keep water in the canal as part of the Battie Mixon fishing area. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
The name of the lock comes from the family that used to serve as locktenders. No remnants of the lockhouse remain.
Locks 69-71 are considered as the Oldtown Locks. This watered section of the canal is part of the Battie Mixon fishing area.