Former Canal Gates

Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Washington D.C. lies a secret. A forgotten waterway, the Former Canal Gates. These gates whisper tales of a bygone era, a time when canals were the lifeblood of the city. The Washington City Canal, a grand vision of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, was meant to connect the Anacostia River to Tiber Creek and the Potomac. It officially opened in late 1815, a moment celebrated with barges, a marine band, and distinguished guests. The canal snaked its way through the city, passing near the present-day Navy Yard, the Capitol grounds, and what is now Constitution Avenue. It was a shallow waterway, only accommodating boats drawing three feet of water or less. The Former Canal Gates, remnants of this ambitious project, stand as silent witnesses to its triumphs and failures. One of the biggest challenges was the tide. The canal’s design didn’t account for the tidal variations of the Eastern Branch. This led to frequent overflows at high tide and insufficient water levels at low tide, hindering navigation. Despite these setbacks, the canal connected with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in 1833. This connection brought larger barges and a brief period of increased activity. A lockkeeper’s house, built around 1835 to manage this connection, still stands today. It’s the oldest building on the National Mall, located at the corner of Constitution Avenue NW and 17th Street NW. By the late 1850s, however, the Former Canal Gates stood watch over a waterway in decline. The canal, neglected and filled with silt and debris, became more of an open sewer than a commercial artery. The rise of railroads further sealed its fate. In 1871, Alexander “Boss” Shepherd ordered the canal to be covered over. Constitution Avenue now runs over what was once a bustling waterway. The Former Canal Gates, though hidden from view, offer a glimpse into a forgotten chapter of Washington D.C.’s history. They are a reminder of a time when the city’s future seemed to flow with the waters of the canal.