Lockhouse 28

Completed in 1837, Lockhouse 28 stands where fierce competition between the C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad brought both to a standstill. In the race to reach the Ohio River valley and control mid-Atlantic western trade, the narrow right-of-way at Point of Rocks caused bitter conflict because ownership of this land was crucial to winning. Both sides refused to give up ground. The canal company won the legal battle, but a compromise was reached and the right-of-way was shared. The C&O built next to the river, and the B&O carved its way through the mountain above the canal. The race to the Ohio and western trade continued for the next 90 years, and the abandoned canal and the busy railroad tracks show who lost and who won.

Maryland · United States