C&O Canal Lock 3

Lock 3

Paul Graunke

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

Like all the lift locks on the canal, canal boats could be raised for an upstream journey or lowered for a downstream journey by opening and closing the lock doors in the correct sequence.

Lift Lock 3 was restored in 2016 - 2019. The lock was fully disassembled, the original wood foundation removed and replaced with a re-enforced concrete foundation, and the lock rebuilt using as much of the original stone as possible. Prior to the rehabilitation, the canal walls had been shifting inward.

The bust, created by sculptor Wendy Ross, honors the Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas for his efforts to preserve the canal as a national park.

Inscription
In Recognition of Justice William O. Douglas for his Contributions Toward the Establishment of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park
National Park Service
May 17, 1977

Plaque
Georgetown Historic District
Has Been Designated a Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the Provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 This Site Possesses Exceptional Value in Commemorating and Illustrating the History of the United States
U.S. Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1967