Last updated: February 20, 2025
Place
C&O Canal Lock 53
NPS/ S. Spencer
Quick Facts
Amenities
3 listed
Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Water - Non-Potable
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 53 is known as the "Irishman's Lock" and was completed in 1837. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
On the other side of the towpath are the foundation remains of the lockhouse.
Lock 53 is known as the "Irishman's Lock" and was completed in 1837. On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below.
On the other side of the towpath are the foundation remains of the lockhouse.