Lockkeeper's House, C & O Canal Extension

The Lockkeeper's House is a small stone structure built in Federal style that once managed traffic along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Extension. Its symmetrical windows and restored chimneys are visible from outside, and inside visitors find exhibits about canal operations and regional transportation methods.

The building was constructed in 1837 to serve as a management and toll collection center for the canal extension. It operated until the canal's abandonment in 1855, after which it remained largely forgotten until recent preservation efforts brought it back to public attention.

The house tells the story of canal workers and the daily operations that kept goods moving on the waterway. It reflects how important water routes were to the city's growth and commerce during that era.

The house is easy to reach on foot through Constitution Gardens and offers a quiet spot to learn about the city's canal history. The exhibits are small and manageable, making it a brief but rewarding stop during a walk through the park.

In 2017, engineers moved the entire structure several meters away using hydraulic systems to protect it from nearby traffic. This unusual relocation was a creative engineering solution to save the building from potential damage.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1835

Architectural style: Federal architecture

Address: Constitution Ave NW & 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

GPS coordinates: 38.89183,-77.03987

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43