Alexandria Canal

The Alexandria Canal is a historic waterway in Alexandria featuring a lock system that connected Georgetown to the city's wharves. The structure spans several miles and incorporates four separate locks to accommodate the elevation difference between the two locations.

Construction of the waterway began in the 1830s and was designed to transport coal from western regions to Alexandria's commercial docks. The completed project became a crucial transportation link that drove commerce for the area.

The canal's name reflects its role as a waterway connecting two major settlements, and today it serves as a gathering place where visitors encounter French bronze sculptures and fountains integrated into the park landscape.

Walking paths surround the site and provide easy access to the reconstructed lock area. Information boards at the location explain how the engineering functioned and why this waterway mattered during the 1800s.

Archaeology work in the 1980s uncovered the original tidal basin and lock structure beneath layers of soil. These findings remain preserved within the park, offering a glimpse into how the waterway actually functioned when boats passed through.

Location: Alexandria

Inception: 1833

GPS coordinates: 38.81378,-77.03839

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:10