Power of the Potomac

The Potomac River races east with enough mountain-carving power to punch through the entire Blue Ridge. From the early 1800s until 1861, that energy easily powered the entire national armory. Diverted by a dam upstream, river water flowed through the armory canal, dropping 22 feet over 1.5 miles. This falling water coursed through headraces and followed underground tunnels, turning water wheels and turbines as it flowed through pipes in the armory factories. Finally the water exited the armory grounds through the tailraces to rejoin the Potomac River. Water flowed into armory buildings like the Stock House through a series of tunnels and pipes, turning gears and powering machinery on the factory floors.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia · United States