Lock 25

Slipping through time, imagine finding yourself at Lock 25 in 1861. The Civil War is raging. Lock 25, nestled in the town of Edwards Ferry, Maryland, becomes a silent witness to the conflict. This unassuming brick structure, completed in 1830, observes the ebb and flow of Union and Confederate troops. They march along the towpath, their footsteps echoing the tension of the times. Lock 25, a vital part of the C&O Canal, sees the disruption of commerce. The Confederate forces target the canal’s infrastructure. Locks, aqueducts, and even boats become casualties of war. The residents of Edwards Ferry, clinging to their homes, witness three Confederate campaigns into Maryland. They see their fields occupied by Union troops, tasked with protecting the vital canal. Lock 25 stands as a silent observer. The war eventually moves south, and life at Edwards Ferry slowly returns to normal. Canal boat traffic resumes. Commerce flows through Lock 25 once more. Warehouses fill, and stores are rebuilt, the fear of marching troops receding. Today, Lock 25 stands as a testament to this tumultuous period. It interprets the story of the C&O Canal and Edwards Ferry during the Civil War. The nearby ruins of Jarboe’s store whisper tales of a bustling rest stop for canallers and farmers. Lock 25 offers a glimpse into the past, a poignant reminder of the impact of war on a small town and its vital waterway.