USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > Historical sketches of the ten miles square forming the District of Columbia : with a picture of Washington, describing objects of general interest or curiosity at the metropolis of the Union. > Part 23
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The foregoing considerations show, that, in determining the transverse section of a canal of great length, and with a dividing summit level, the am unt of lockage must have a due influence upon the breadth and depth of the water section .- And, indeed, taking into view the great distance and conside- rable lockage belonging to the present case, a cross section, larger than that recommended, might have been suggested, had not a regard to economy, and to a competent supply of water during the dry season, forbidden it.
However, the transverse section, as just proposed, may be deemed sufficient to fulfil, in a satisfactory manner, the main requisite for which it has been intended. And, in order to remove all doubt, let us compare, as to amount of transporta- tion, the contemplated Chesapeake and Ohio Canal with an- other of the same length, but whose lockage would be 600 feet only, with a transverse section of 40 feet at the surface, and 4 feet in depth.
The rate of travelling being supposed, for both, 23 miles per hour, and one minute allowed for each foot of lockage, 60 feet will be, as to time, equivalent to 23 miles, and these canals will then compare as follows:
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal having 3158 feet of lock- age in a distance of 3412 miles, is equivalent, as to time. to a
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
single level canal of 473 miles, which would require 189 hours to be travelled from one end to the other.
The 40 feet canal, having 600 feet of lockage in a distance of 3412 miles, is equivalent, as to time, to a single level canal of $67 miles, and which would be travelled in 146 hours from Gre end to the other. But it has been shown that, on the first canal, the amount of transportation being expressed by 130, it will be 100 on the 40 feet canal-the velocity and towing power remaining the same in both cases. Comparing, now, this ratio of 130 to 100, with that of the time employed to travel respectively each canal, viz. 189 hours to 146, it is found that these ratios are equal. Therefore, on either of these ca- nals, and notwithstanding a difference of 2558 fee: lockage, an equal weight will be transported during the same time, and with an equal towing power-a result entirely due to a larger transverse section having been assigned to the canal whose lockage is greater.
With: a view to augment still more the amount of transpor- tation, without increasing the expense attending it, the boat might have received a length of at least eight times its breadth; but it would have required a length of lock of 118 feet [between the hollow quoins, ] which, on account of the great number of locks, would have caused too great an expense. The neces- sity of conciliating economy with the object to be expected from the work, has, therefore, obliged us to limit the length of the boat to seven times its breadth, 133 feet, it is to say to 94 feet about; this length varying, however, from 90 to 95 feet, according to the mode of constructing the boat. With a draft of 3 feet, such a boat, if rectangular, would displace about one hundred tons weight of water, or, on account of de- viation from this form, about 99 tons only; it would carry a burden of 60 tons.
Respecting the locks destined to admit this boat, they must have at leas 102 feet between the hollow quoins, and 14 feet breadth in the cleur. In the estimate they are all supposed to be of eight feet lift, though, in the framing of a final plan, they should vary according to considerations not immediately connected with the object of the present report.
The sheet No. 3 exhibits the plan and sections of the lock upon which has been made the estimate of this article of ex- pense. The main walls are built of common range work masonry, (No. 18;) their facing only is laid with water lime cement. Hewn stone has been used exclusively for the hole Low quoins, mitre sills, abutments, and recesses of gates; th
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
blocks do not exceed nine cubic feet, Nos. 27, 28. The hot. ton of the chamber ou siste chiefly of a reversed arch, built of brick, with water Inthe cement.
The estimate amoun's to $15-069 80-100. But we must take into consideration that a number of locks will have their foundation upon sobd rock, and will therefore require less masonry; and, Alse, that, owing to the necessary declination which, in the Real pian, the bottom of canal will receive, the amount of luckage will be less than it is in this general plan. Vidler these impressions, $12,000 has been deemed a fair average cost of a lock on the whole line of canal.
Respecting the aqueducts, they are to be built of masonry, and their lengths calculated to afford a free passage to the streams at the time of freshets; they are generally to be con- nected with the sides of the valley by means of embankments carefully made.
We now pass to the description of the canal.
EASTERN SECTION.
From Georgetown to Cumberland.
From Cumberland to Georgetown the valley of the Potomac is rand, and its sides formed of a succession of bluffs and nar- row fiate: the bluff's op one side being generally opposite to the flats on the other. The parts which offer the greatest ob- stacles to the fication of the work, are those where the stream forces its way through the high ridges whose direction is trans- verse to the bed of the river: at these places the banks are steep, the stream much winding, and its velocity very great, ow ug to falls and rapids. Whilst the flats present no difficul- ty, the bluffs and steep parts oblige, absolutely, to have the canal supported by walls, whose height should place. the work above tin reach of freshets, and whose other dimensions should be calculated to resist the impetus of the stream. The freshets are from 15 to 30 feet in height, and the general fall of the ri- ver bed 3 feet nearly per mile.
To avoid the parts which, by their steepness, oppose the greatest difficulties to the location of the canal, the crossing of the stream in order to place the work on each bank alternate- ly, is the first idea which presents itself. But the adoption of such a system would lead into the difficulties and great expen- ses attending the erection of permanent and sold aqueducts across the Potomac; and, also, would oblige to keep, in many places, the level of the canal at an elevation which would efect materielly, the other requisites of the work,
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Chesapeake und Ohio Canal,
After due investigations upon this subject, we remain con- vinced that it is more expedient, less expensive, and liable to less accidents, to keep, without deviation, on the same side of the valley; and the Maryland side has received the preference for the following reasons: the obstacles are generally of less magnitude than on the Virginia side; the exposure is more fa- vorable, and will cause, in the Spring an earlier, in the Fall a later, navigation; no aqueduct will become necessary at Cum- berland, since Wills' Creek empties into the stream on the Maryland side. However, all possible precautions have been taken to accomodste the commerce of Virginia, and prevent that it should suffer from this arrangement.
'The following table will show the resources of water upon which we rely to feed the Eastern Section of the contemplated canal. All the main tribut ries of the Potomac, below Cuni- berland, will be required to accomplish this object; they have been gauged during the Summer of 1925, and the quantities of water presented by the table are minima upon which full reli- anco can be placed:
Virginia side.
Supply.
Maryl'd. side .;
. Supply.
Distances from wes- tern end.
Cubic feet p'r second
Cubic feet p'r second 5,55
Miles.
South Branch Gr't Cacapon
60
17
30
59
60
20
85
116
Shenandoah,
100
124
166
141
Monocacy, Seneca,
30.80
16₺
190
267.35
Together, +75 35-100 cubic f't per sec.
The total length of the Eastern Section being 186 miles, this supply of water will be sufficient, provided a proper dis- tribution should be made of it along the line of canal; and a constant regard has been bestowed upon this important object during the framing of the following general plan of the work.
Evitt's creek,
S
Licking creek Git. Conococh, Antietem.
25
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
Subdivision, 1st. From Cumberland to the South Branch of the Potomac:
Distance 174 miles-descent, 83 5-10 feet-11 locks.
This subdivision commences at about one mile below Cum- berland, and 54 feet above low water mark in the Potomac; the first level of the bottom of the canal is assumed 31 feet above said low water mark. This high level is required in order to be able to pass the neck of land across the great bend of the river, six miles below.
'This level is preserved as far 'as the Narrows, where it is proposed to locate a series of eight locks, with intermediate ponds, occupying cne mile, and having a descent of 623 feet. For the first three miles of this level, no provision is now made for a feeder, as it has to depend upon the middle Section. A feeder is proposed from Evitt's Creek.
This plan will render necessary a deep cut of 25 feet in depth, and seven eighths of a mile long; but this is preferred to continuing the canal parallel to the river at the great bend, and at an expense of several miles more in distance. Another cut, at Evitt's Bluff, one-eighth of a mile long and 22 feet deep. will be necessary, as also an aqueduct and an embankment across the valley of Evitt's Creek.
In the location of the locks, and the assumption of the level below, the probability of an additional feeder from the Poto- mac, at some future time, has been anticipated, and the work has been planned so as to facilitate this object if found neces- sary. The same consideration has been kept steadily in view along the whole line, which has been adapted, not only to its immediate efficiency, but also to the improvements which may hereafter be found necessary or expedient.
From the Narrows to Alum Hill, the only difficulty of im- portance is Braddock's Hill. At a short distance above Alum Hill, it is proposed to descend into the river 21 feet, by three locks, and continue in the stream about three miles, to the mouth of the South Branch, the tow path following along the shore. By this arrangement, we avoid the difficult ground on the left bank, or the alternative offered of crossing over to the right bank and back again.
A dam of 12 feet high, above low water mark, and erected on a suitable ledge of rocks, about one-quarter of a mile be- low the mouth of the South Brauch, will afford a sufficient depth of water at the outlet of the locks near Alum Hill. This dam will, besides, procure, the most effectual and econ- omical means of introducing an additional supply of water
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
from the main Potomac and its South Branch united, and also afford a convenient basin for the trade of the latter river. This dam would still remain useful for all these purposes, should, hereafter, an independent canal be adopted instead of using the river on this portion of the line.
This subdivision, from its Western end to the point where the canal descends into the Potomac, that is, on a distance of 13 miles, receives the waters of Evitt's Creek only, which would not be sufficient to feed the canal. But, as it will be seen further, the Middle Section will supply what is wanting ROW.
According to the estimate hereto annexed, this subdivision will cost $524,380 54.
Subdivision 2d. From the South Branch of the Potomac to the mouth of the Great Cacapon river:
Distance, 34.2 miles-descent, 64 feet-8 locks. From Cumberland, 524 1474 19
This subdivision commences about a quarter of a mile above the dam across the river, a short distance below Oldtown Bluff, and nearly opposite the mouth of the South Branch. The canal will pass out of the basin by means of a guard lock, and will require, for some distance below, to be protected by an embankment.
For the first three miles, the ground continues favorable for the canal, until it has passed Town Creek, after which the de- olivities of Gregg's Mountains offer considerable, but not very formidable, difficulties, for three miles further. It again be- comes quite easy for more than two miles, after which, in ap- proaching the neighborhood of Pawpaw Ridge, the difficulties gradually increase until they reach an extent that is truly for- midable, and will require all the resources of art to overcome them. In planning this portion, several alternatives presented themselves: either of continuing on one bank the whole dis- tance, or of taking advantage of the most suitable ground ou both banks by crossing from one to the other by an aqueduct. This latter plan was, after attentive consideration, rejected, from the difficulty. of securing the aqueduct from injury by the violence of the stream, and even of placing it above the freshets, without materially interfering with and deteriorating the works as planned for some distance above.
It was, therefore, deemed more expedient to continue the work on the Maryland side, notwithstanding the serious obsta, oles presented in the next seven iniles, indeed, the expense to overcome them will be great, but we feel confident that the security of the work will be perfectly ensured.
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
Below the difficult pass of the Paw-paw Ridge, the ground becomes more favorable, and continues so to the end of this subdivision, with the exception of some small portions amount- ing together to about 3 miles, and offering considerable diffi- culties, though affording in several places the conveniences re- quired for the location of locks and other works proposed.
This subdivision will be fed by the water of the Potomac, and those of the South Branch, collected in the basin above the dam already mentioned
This subdivision will be very expensive; its probable cost amounts. in the estimate hereto annexed, to $1,474,372 97.
Subdivision 3d. From opposite the mouth of the Great Cacapon, to the mouth of Licking Creek:
Distance, 163 miles-descent, 32 feet-4 locks. From Cumberland, 682 1793 23
At the beginning of this subdivision a supply of water will be required, and it is contemplated to procure it from the Great Cacapon River, (Virginia, ) by means of an aqueduct across the Potomac. Several circumstances concur in sugges- ting this as the most expedient plan of accomplishing the ob- ject. Indeed, we might have had recourse to the Potomac itself, but this plan would have required that the canal should descend into the bed of the stream, that a dam across the river and a guard look at the debunch of the canal should be erect- ed, and a long embankment raised to shelter the canal from the freshets. These considerations led us to give preference to the aqueduct feeder as both more convenient and more eco- nomical.
This subdivision offers but little difficulties in its execution, when compared with those immediately above and below .-- The canal interfering, below Hancock, for some distance, with the turnpike, a provision has been made in the estimate for removing the road further on the hill side.
This subdivision is estimated at $415,794 20.
Subdivision ith .- From the mouth of Licking Creek to the Great Conneochleague.
Distance, 162 miles-descent, 38 feet-5 locks. From Cumberland, 853 2174 es
At the beginning of this subdivision, a feeder is necessary from Licking Creek, to supply with water this portion of ca- nal.
The ground is favorable for the first seven miles, as far down as Prater's Neck, where a moderate deep cut will afford an opportunity scarcely to be found on any other part of the viver, of passing through the neck of an isthmus, instead of
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Chesapeake and Ohio Cana !.
Following the circuitous bend of the stream. As some' diffi- enlt ground is thus avoided, this plan will combine the two advantages of shortening the distance and lesscung the ex- pense.
But. immediately below this point, there is one of the most difficult and expensive passes to be encountered. High and precipitous cliffs of limestone rock present close to the river their almost perpendicular sides, and for a distance of three miles, the canal must be supported in great measure by a wall, whose structure and strength must be adequate to re- sist the violence of the stream during the freshets, and with- stand the shock of drifted timber and masses of ice.
Indeed, the ground on the Virginia shore, immediately op- posite to this pass, is of a favorable character, but it soon becomes also very difficult; so that, on the supposition of the canal being carried over to it by means of an aque fuet, & so- cond crossing would be found necessary within a short dis- tance below. The inexpediency of such a plan is too obvious to deserve any further consideration.
After passing this section, the ground, as far down as Wil- liamsport, does not offer any great obstacles, excepting, however, for a mile immediately below the wareh mise, and also between three and four miles from Williamsport. Here considerable walling will be necessary, a part of which being at the very band of the river, must be of great strength to resist the violent efforts to which it will be exposed
The estimated cost of this subdivision amounts, according to thn estimate hereto annexed, to $942,386 50.
Subdivision 5th .- From the Great Conococheague to the mouth of the Antietam.
Distance, 303 miles-descent, 35 feet-5 locks. From Cumberland, 116 2523 33
Williamsport, situated at the mouth of the Great Conneo- cheague, is the centre of trade of a considerble portion of fertile country; it will, therefore, require a basin for its ac- commodation. This work is consequently introduced in the plan, and the expense has been calculated on the supposition of the sides being formed of stone instead of timber, on ac- count both of durability, and health of the neighborhood - Here, as has also been done at other paints, locks are propos- ed to communicate with the Potomac This arrangement is Indispensable wherever there is, for some distance, a tolera- ble navigation in the river itself, in order to enable the Vir. ginia shore to participate fully in the advantages of the canal;
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
advantages which otherwise would be bestowed exclusively on the Maryland side. Thus, to the expense attending the construction itself of the canal, we add in full all the contin- gencies relating to a liberal accommodation of the trade o!' the Virginia shore.
The extraordinary winding course of the river, on this sub . division, renders the line of the canal very circuitous: the di- rect distance between Williamsport and the mouth of the An- tietem being but about 13 miles, whilst the route pursued will be 30g miles. For the first ten miles there are no serious ob- stacles to encounter; though several steep hill sides and rocky points are met with, yet they may be overcome without much difficulty. But, immediately below, is found again one of those formidable passes which, in spite of all the efforts of art, ren- der this work so difficult and expensive: for about 23 miles at the bend of the river, near Galloway's mill, high and almost perpendicular rocks come down to the water's edge; they will render indispensible, for nearly the whole distance, the erec- tion of walls to support the canal; walls which, being much exposed to the shocks of ice and timber, will require the greatest strength practicable.
The ground on the Virginia shore opposite to this pass is, indeed, of a favorable character; and it was duly considered whether it might not be more expedient to take advantage of it by crossing the river. But the objections urged against the adoption of such a plan, in similar situations above, also obtain here, and render preferable the course adopted.
A feeder from the Great Conococheague will be necessary at the beginning of this subdivision: but an additional supply of water will become indispensable before reaching the Antie- tem, and the Potomac itself is the only stream which can be resorted to. To fulfil this object, a dam of moderate height ia proposed, about a mile below Galloway's mill, as also a short feeder to carry the water into the canal lowered down for the purpose: the dam will be furnished with a lock to prevent the navigation of the river from being interrupted. It must be remarked that the localities are not very favorable to this plan inasmuch as the canal thus constructed, will, in consequence of the gentle descent of the river, have to be protected from the freshets by embankments for more than six miles below. However, by a careful adaptation to the ground, these em- bankments will not be very formidable and will be rendered perfectly secure by means of paving.
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
. In the course of the next thirteen miles below the dam, dit- Ncult and favorable portions alternate; but the former are not by any means to be compared to those above.
Opposite Shepherdstown, provision has been made for a com- munication with the river by means of four locks descending 29 feet; the object is, to accommodate the trade of this place and of the surrounding country.
From opposite Shepherdstown to the Antietem, less than 4 miles, the ground is favorable, with the exception of one hill side offering some side cutting, but neither of any difficulty, nor of great extent.
According to the estimate hereto annexed, the estimated of this subdivision will amount to $1,572,898 54.
Subdivision 6th. . From the mouth. of the Antietem to one mile below Harper's Ferry:
Distance, 9 miles-descent, 72 feet-9 locke. From Cumberland, 125 S214
On the Antietem, and at the beginning of this subdivision, there exist valuable and extensive iron works, which should be preserved if possible. They are so situated that any feeder taken from this river would cut off, during the dry season, the supply of water upon which they denend. Therefore this subdivision has to rely chiefly upon the Potomac taken below Galloway's mill, though a feeder from the Antietem will bring into the-canal the surplus of the water not necessary for the iron works.
The first seven miles bring the canal to the head of Harper's Ferry Falls. The line, for this distance, presents a succession of alternate steep rocks and hill sides, intermixed with some portions of favorable ground: the whole will require & cousid- erable amount of walling and excavation.
The ditheulties of the pass at Harper's Ferry exists in a distance of three miles: for the whole length a wall of greater or less height will be necessary; but as, generally, there is a sufficientHedge to lay its foundation above low water mark, it will not be so expensive as might have been anticipated. Ad- vantage also may be taken of the large masses of rocks which lay near at hand, and which, being moved by suitable machine- ry, may be made subservient to an important purpose.
As the Shenandoah, which empties into the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, runs through a fertile and extensive valley, and is navigable for a considerable distance, it becomes impor- tant to secure its connection with the canal. The plan propo- sed to effect this object consists of a dam erected at the most
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Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
suitable spot below the junction of the two rivers. A basin will thus be obtained to accommodate the trade of the Shenan- dloah, and to collect the waters of both streams in order to procure a large supply to the canal; a short navigable feeder, provided with a guard lock, will unite the basin with the canal. Besides these last advantages, the plan will preserve from in- jury the extensive manufactories which exist on both of the streams.
The estimate of this subdivision amounts to $747,781 10.
Subdivision 7th. From one mile below Harper's Ferry to the mouth of Monocacy river:
Distance, 10g miles-descent, 24 feet-3 locks. From Cumberland, 1443 3483 45
The beginning of this subdivision will be difficult and ex- pensive, on account of the excavation of rock which the navi- gable feeder from the Potomac will require, and also on ac- count of the strong and costly works to be erected, for the se- curity of the canal, at the place where it is let down to receive the navigable feeder.
For the first two miles, the line of canal passes alternately over a favorable portion of ground, then along a rocky hill side of some difficulty. The next eight miles are on easy ground; but, a short distance below Cotocton creek, the Cotocton mountain approaching close to the river offers an obstacle of some importance, though less difficult than those described above. From the Cotecton ridge to the Monocacy, about 63 miles, the ground is favorable, with the exception of one small portion, where a deep cut will be necessary.
According to the estimate hereto annexed, the cost of this subdivision will amount to $496,262.
Subdivision Sth. From the mouth of the Monocacy to the mouth of Seneca Creek.
Distance, 182. miles-descent, 24 feet-3 locks. From Cumberland, 163 3723 48
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