Monocacy Aqueduct

The aqueduct allows boats to pass over the river below.

Courtesy Steve Dean

Quick Facts

Location:

Dickerson, Maryland

Amenities

4 listed

Boat Ramp, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting

The C&O Canal aqueducts are “water bridges” that carried canal boats over the creeks and rivers that flow into the Potomac River. Built from 1829 to 1833, the Monocacy Aqueduct is the third of twelve such “works of art” on the canal. With just one glace, visitors are struck with the magnitude of this marvelous seven arched structure. The glistening white and pink quartz sandstone structure is the longest aqueduct along the C&O Canal measuring in at 516 feet. At the time of the Civil War, during the Maryland Campaign of 1862, the Monocacy Aqueduct was nearly destroyed by Confederate General D.H. Hill. However, concerned Lockkeeper Thomas Walter persuaded the Confederate troops that destroying Lock 27 would be far more impactful in their pursuit. Today, the Monocacy Aqueduct still stands thanks to restoration work that was completed in 2004 and continual preservation of this structural gem.