One of my favorite things about living in Poolesville is visiting the historic places along the Potomac River. From my house in town it takes less than 10 minutes to drive to Edwards Ferry. I know that there's a ton of Civil War history surrounding this place, but my fascination with it lies in the use of the C&O Canal and the people who lived in the Lock 25 House.
Locktenders lived with their families in the Lock Houses along the C&O Canal. No matter what time of day or night, when a barge came along the Lock Keeper had to come out to raise or lower the barge in the Lock.
I can imagine the Locktender early in the morning coming out to greet a passenger barge, lowering them as they descend on their way to Georgetown. I picture the Locktender's children looking at the passengers, wondering where they're from or where they're going.
Today I go there with my children to kayak on the Potomac and we look at the old Lock House and wonder about the families that once lived there.
More about Edwards Ferry: "An Ideal Crossing - The Potomac River is calm and narrow here, making it an ideal location for a ferry crossing. In 1791 Edwards Ferry began to operate here, connecting Maryland farmers to the Goose Creek Canal in Virginia and to Leesburg markets. The ferry closed in 1836 but the community that grew around it continued, carrying on the name. Over time, a general store, a warehouse, and 36 residents composed the Edwards Ferry community. With the coming of the C&O Canal the small village prospered from the increase in commerce.
