The Patowmack Canal is part of Great Falls National Park in Virginia, about twenty-five kilometers from Washington. The Patowmack was one of the first canals built in the United States.

The Patowmack Canal in Great Falls Park, McLean, Virginia

The idea for the canal came from George Washington, now known as the father of the country. He had explored the area around the Upper Potomac River. He believed that that the river had to be made passable by boats. He thought the waterway would be a great path of trade between the east coast and western territory.

However, the Potomac River is very wild. Its Great Falls area is famous for powerful currents that flow sharply downhill. The river falls almost twenty-five meters in less than one and a half kilometers. The water is filled with huge rocks above and below the surface.

Washington knew a canal would have to be built for boats to safely pass by Great Falls. He also knew the project would be a long and costly process.

George Washington was a very popular leader at this time. He had commanded the Continental Army in America’s successful fight for independence from Britain. He was known as a wealthy farmer and land expert. As a result, he easily won financial support for the canal. He set up the Patowmack Company and started building the canal in seventeen eighty-five.

George Washington led the project until he took the office of President in seventeen eighty-nine. But building continued.