Why was the canal needed?
To provide a means of inexpensive transport by water for commercial development of the Potomac River Valley.
When was the canal started?
President John Q. Adams dedicated the canal at Little Falls, (approx. 5 miles from Georgetown) on July 4, 1828.
Where did the canal start?
At Georgetown, D.C., (tidal lock on the Potomac river).
When and where was the canal completed?
Cumberland, MD., on Oct. 10, 1850.
What was the cost of the canal?
Almost $12,000,000 (not including interest costs on loans).
How many people comprised the canal's labor force?
At the height of construction, 4,000 workmen were employed.
What delayed completion?
Right-of-Way disputes, floods, labor problems.
How long was the canal?
approx. 184.5 miles.
What was the average feet the lift locks raised canal boats?
Approx. 8 ft.
How long did it take to construct the tunnel?
Approx. 8 years., an average of 1 ft. completed per day.
MULES!
Mule- The cross resulting from a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare).
The mule takes after the donkey in appearance.
Inherits from father:
Ears
Coloration
Wispy mane
Strength
Endurance
Small, Deep hooves
Intelligence
Bray
Inherits from mother:
Size
Disposition
Muscling
Strength
Full tail
Advantages over donkey:
Better disposition
Easier to handle
Bigger
Stronger
Tolerates inexperienced people
Advantages over horse:
Stronger
More endurance
Smarter
Survive on less quantity and quality of food
Recuperate very quickly
More Sure-footed
Less prone to illness or injury
Will not work itself to death
Longer life
Less prone to foot trouble
Withstands higher temperatures
Tolerates inexperienced people
Can stable with low ceilings (A horse will throw its head up when its ears touch something. A mule will lower its head. This makes the mule a better candidate for mining and other low-ceiling work).
Disadvantages:
Can work all day, but at a slow pace
Can be exceedingly stubborn
Since most mules (99%) are sterile, you have to have both a donkey and a horse to produce a mule. ACTIVITIES
1. Define these words (using a dictionary or encyclopedia):
a. Lock:
b. Locktender:
c. Aqueduct:
d. Packet boat:
2. What is the differences between a mule and a donkey?
3. The C&O Canal begins in _______________________ (city/ town).
4. The C&O Canal ends in _________________________(city/ town).
5. The entire canal is approximately _____________miles long.
6. The power to propel the boat was supplied ______________.
7. The C&O Canal began operation in the year _______________.
8. Compare the year 1876 to today. Examples: inventions, attitudes, clothing, health, etc.
SUGGESTED FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES
1. Students can design "shoe box" dioramas depicting life along the canal.
2. Songs of transportation-- children can gather and learn songs which show how transportation has changes over the years. Many songs have grown out of the canal era, i.e. "Erie Canal".
3. Topics for reports:
a. Why did the canal fall into disuse?
b. Why was the railroad a better made of transportation in this area?
c. What were some of the "natural" problems encountered by canal builders and boatman (weather, water level, geography, etc.).
d. What were the advantages of the canal and this type of transportation?
4. Construct a time line of transpiration throughout history.
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