Although our first president, George Washington put forth the idea
It was not completed in his lifetime
It wasn’t ready until 1831 was near.

In November 1830 the canal finally went public
But it was not as we know it today.
The canal was abbreviated, but it was still fantastic.

By 1834 the canal was extended all the way to Williamsport
Now one of the ends of a one of the primary sections
But they were not done with growth of this sort.

With the arrival of 1836 the route had gained in popularity
And numerous businesses used it as a great way of transportation
And engaging more workers and so there was a new decree.

Lots of trouble emerged as they worked to complete it
From disease to disaster nature seemed to be working against them
But through it all the company and crews would not quit.

The last 50 miles faced the hardest block to progress
Locks were required but stone was very tough to transport
And they nearly gave up I must confess.

The floods of 1843 proved another problem that halted work
But the company found a way to move forward
By raising the sides giving the water’s progress a tweak.

When 1850 finally rolled around
The company had been surpassed by the railroad’s progress.
The need for transportation was now less sound.

The project then ceased, no longer was the Ohio Valley the goal
But nothing came from the talks
So the C&O Canal was done, no more to unfold.

A Canal Boat On The C&O Canal

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