“What a magnificent structure” I overheard a visitor say while approaching the Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River. This is not just any aqueduct. It is the largest one on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This impressive landmark crosses the Monocacy River. The river flows into the Potomac River. We are in Frederick County, Maryland.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River’s construction spanned from 1829 to 1833. It cost $127,900. Imagine the effort it took to build this back then. Three separate contractors worked on this project.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River stretches 438 feet. Its waterway measures 19 feet at the bottom and 20 feet at the top. The towpath parapet wall is 8 feet wide. The upstream wall is 6 feet wide.
Benjamin Wright was the chief engineer. He planned this aqueduct with precision. There are 6 piers, 2 abutments, and 7 arches. Each arch spans 54 feet. The piers are 10 feet thick. Each end has a pilaster. Large quartzite stone blocks form much of the aqueduct. These stones came from Sugarloaf Mountain’s base.
During the Civil War, the Union used the canal for transporting war materials. Troops moved along the border between Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River often faced Confederate attacks.
Thomas Walter was the keeper of Lock 27. He was a Confederate sympathizer. But he loved the Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River more. General D. H. Hill planned to destroy it. Walter convinced Hill to drain the canal instead. Later, another Confederate group tried to blow it up. They could not drill enough holes in the stone.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River is now part of the C&O Canal National Historic Park. The National Park Service manages it. Hurricane Agnes caused damage in the 1970s. The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration designed a steel banding system. This stabilized the structure. A steel rod reinforcing system was installed. The aqueduct was restored to its original appearance in 2004-2005. It was rededicated in May 2005.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Aqueduct Across the Monocacy River stands as an icon of American civil engineering. It highlights the ingenuity and perseverance of its builders. It shows its importance during a turbulent period in American history. Its preservation ensures future generations can appreciate this remarkable structure.