Consider the tale of a lock keeper named George Pennifield. We are standing at Pennyfield Lock, also known as Lock 22. This place whispers stories of a bygone era. Pennyfield Lock is more than just stone and water. It is a portal to the 19th century.
The C&O Canal, stretching 184.5 miles, once thrived here. It connected the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. Pennyfield Lock played a crucial role in this ambitious endeavor. Completed in 1831, Pennyfield Lock helped boats navigate the canal’s varying elevations. The canal needed 74 lift locks to manage a 608-foot elevation change.
But who were the people behind this lock? The Pennifield family managed this lock for a long time. The name “Pennyfield” is indeed a misspelling of their name. George and his son Charlie were the heart of this place. They operated it from the 1880s until its permanent closure in 1923.
George Pennifield was not just a lock keeper. He was a local celebrity. He was especially known among fishermen. President Grover Cleveland himself visited Pennyfield Lock. He sought refuge from Washington’s pressures. The President would spend days fishing near the lock. He even stayed at the Pennifield home.
Life at Pennyfield Lock was not always easy. In 1875, an unnamed lock keeper was dismissed. He drunkenly opened the gate paddles too early. This caused a boat to sink with its 113-ton cargo.
After George passed away in 1911, his son Charles took over. Charles lived at the lock house for over 50 years with his wife. The C&O Canal closed in 1924. Charles and his wife moved to Travilah, Maryland, in 1938. The larger Pennifield House fell into disrepair and was torn down in 2009.
Today, Pennyfield Lock stands as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The lock house has been restored. It offers visitors a glimpse into canal life of the 1830s and 1840s. You can even stay overnight.
The area is also a haven for bird watchers. The Pennyfield Lock Neighborhood Conservation Area is nearby. It is a great spot for observing birds and waterfowl.
Pennyfield Lock stands as a testament to ingenuity and perseverance. It reminds us of simpler times. As you explore this historic site, imagine the echoes of the past. Picture the boats passing through, the lock keepers at work, and a president casting his line. Remember the legacy of the Pennifield family. They are forever intertwined with this special place.