Last updated: January 11, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 72
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 72 is made from limestone that was quarried nearby and was completed in 1841. The limestone used to build this Lock, and Locks 73 – 75, were described as “beautiful, of good quality, and in great abundance”. This lock uses a “slope wall” design at the lower end of the wing wall and bypass flume, and has a 9’ lift.
During the Canal Days, this lock and area was referred to as the “Ten Mile Lock” because it is almost exactly 10 miles from Cumberland.
Adjacent to the lock is a two-and-a-half story lockhouse.
Lock 72 is made from limestone that was quarried nearby and was completed in 1841. The limestone used to build this Lock, and Locks 73 – 75, were described as “beautiful, of good quality, and in great abundance”. This lock uses a “slope wall” design at the lower end of the wing wall and bypass flume, and has a 9’ lift.
During the Canal Days, this lock and area was referred to as the “Ten Mile Lock” because it is almost exactly 10 miles from Cumberland.
Adjacent to the lock is a two-and-a-half story lockhouse.