Flood of 1889 and New Creditorship

Flood of 1889 at the Cushwa Basin.

Photo courtesy of the Western Maryland's Historical Library

 

Flooding of the Potomac River

Ground was broken for the C&O Canal in 1828. The following year, the Canal experienced its first flood. By 1996, 17 major floods and numerous minor ones had occurred in the life of the canal. Floods have caused millions of dollars in damages to structures along the canal. A major flood in 1924 ultimately caused the canal to cease operations. However, good things can come from adversity; this potentially devastating force is largely responsible for the extraordinary biological diversity of the C&O Canal.

Flooding has been part of the Potomac River for millions of years. As a result, flood-adapted habitats such as floodplain forests and scourbars, have been created. These habitats have gained significance in Maryland and nationally due to increasing habitat loss and fragmentation from development and invasion of alien plant species. In fact, many rare plants depend on these unique habitats. Continue reading to discover something new, view historical flooding images, and engage in discussion.

 

Flood of June 3, 1889, at Cushwa Basin in Williamsport, Maryland.

NPS Photo

 

Graph of a flood analysis of Little Falls, MD.

NPS Chart

Historical Flood Information

Have you ever experienced flooding or high waters in the area you live? Flooding events have impacted Canal operations since the beginning of its history and still today. Read more about the history of floods at the C&O Canal, how it impacted operations, and its beautiful unitended consequences on the natural environment.

Read more →

 

Resources on Flooding at the C&O Canal

Flooding and Geology

Rock Talk: Geology Conversations on the C&O Canal

Geologic features help us understand both ancient and relelatively recent events. C&O Canal National Historical Park has many fascinating and accessible features. Read more about flooding events and how it impacted the C&O Canal and its geological features.

Read more →

Canal History from the Canal Trust

_{C&O Canal Trust Articles to Read}
Our official park partner—the Canal Trust—has written short articles that summarize some parts of the Canal's flooding history. Click the links below to learn more.

• Canal History: Decline and Eventual Closing of the C&O Canal
• Canal History: Flooding and Its Effects on the Canal

 

 

Flooding in the Nation's Capital

Flooding events impacted the entirety of the Canal, including the most southern section, the Washington Branch. The following images show Washington, DC, during the Great Flood of 1889.

 

Map of Washington, DC, showing the extent of flooding (outlined in blue) from the 1889 flood.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

 

Flooded 6th Street NW and Baltimore and Potomac Station. Photographer is looking north up 6th Street toward B Street. A small boat with people floats on the left side of the image and a man paddles standing up in the middle of the photograph.

Photo courtesy of the DC Public Library, The People's Archive, David Sterman Photograph Collection