Great Falls Park in northern Virginia preserves both the dramatic Great Falls of the Potomac and a long record of human use along the river. The site includes Native American petroglyphs, the remains of the Patowmack Canal, and the ruins of Matildaville, linking the area to early transportation and industry. Opened in 1785 with support from George Washington, the canal pioneered lock use in the United States and early engineering blasting, but it was abandoned in 1830. Later an excursion and amusement destination, the area became a public park and National Park Service site. Today it is valued for scenic overlooks, trails, and its historic landscape near Washington.