History of The Grand Old Ditch

     Below are just some of the people that have that have helped make the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal the great place it is today. Originally I had intended to gather all the names posible of those that have had any association with the canal or it's history, but due to the time involved it may be awhile before I can really get into the research.

Adams, John Quincy - July 11th 1767 - February 23rd 1848
6th President of The United States (1825 - 1829)
Turned the first spade of earth during a ceremony at Little Falls, Maryland on July 4, 1828.

Adams, Neil
Volunteer Mule Handler - 1992

Conway, Debbie
C&O Canal Chief of Interpretation.

Douglas, William Orville - October 16th 1898 - January 19th 1980
Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court
Challenged the editorial staff of the Washington Post to walk the entire Chesapeake and Ohio canal towpath. The Washington Post later published an editorial in favor of keeping the land natural.

Fisk, Charles B.
Resident engineer between Dams 5 and 6.

Gearman, Todd
C&O Canal Ranger

Neus, Daniel
Stone Mason - 1865

Harmon, John
Canal Labor - 1882

Hebb, Augustus & Family
Canal Boat Operator

Malone, Michael
Carpenter - 1872

McCoy, Washington
Stone Cutter - 1837

McFarland, A. B.
Superintendent of Masonry - 1835

Miller, Edward
Federal Commissioner for the C&O Canal National Historical Park Advisory Commission for 18 years. Retired in March of 2000.

Mummert, Lisa
Funds Raiser

Nixon, Richard M.
Signed legislation On January 8, 1971 creating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

Pratt, William Abbot
Civil Engineer

Purcell, Thomas F.
Chief engineer was sent with a team to survey the canal from what is now Dam 6 up to Cumberland and reported what resources were available alone with reports on the best route for the canal.

Williamson, Blair
Dispatcher at C&O Canal Headquarters in Sharpsburg