C&O Canal Paw Paw Tunnel

Photo 7- Canal bed looking north at South Entrance

Photo 8- National Historic Park declaration inside tunnel. These are spaced throughout the tunnel.

Photo 9- Looking South at North Entrance

Photo 10- Looking South at North Entrance-mountain perspective

Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.

Photo 1- Sign on trial

Photo 2- North Entrance, looking South

Photo 3- Inside North entry looking South

Photo 4- Interior deteriation

Photo 5- South entrance, looking North

Photo 6- Signage. "The Paw Paw Tunnel stands as a monument to abiltiy and daring of the 19th Century Canal builders. By building the mile long cut through the the mountain, including the 3,118' tunnel, the canal avoided six miles of river bends and steep, rocky cliffs. Methodist minister and contactor Lee Montgomery started construction in 1836, with estimates of completion in two years. Labor shortages, financial difficulties,underestimating the cost of the work, and a maze of lawsuits eventually forced Montgomwery into bankruptcy. Work on the Canal stopped. In 1850 the tunnel was finally completed, opening the canal from Georgetown to Cumberland."

Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.