Lift Lock 33

The Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers carved a notch in the mountains here, creating a natural corridor for commerce and providing passage west. Communities grew up on both sides of the river, and later a turnpike, railroad, and canal came through this notch. The railroad and canal competed constantly until the railroad gained dominance. Because of the devastation of the Civil War and decreasing dependence on waterpower, the area declined in importance.

Maryland · United States