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Canal Place facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
For the building in New Orleans often called "Canal Place", see One Canal Place.
Cumberland MD Station WM Rwy 2003
The Western Maryland Railway station, built in 1913, is now part of Canal Place.
Cumberland Basin looking at Guard Lock 8
The Cumberland basin, looking at Guard Lock #8, marks the end of the C&O Canal.
Cumberland Basin looking towards Georgetown
This view shows the Cumberland basin at Canal Place, looking towards Georgetown, which is 184.5 miles down the canal.

Canal Place is a special heritage area in Cumberland, Maryland. It covers about 58.1-acre (235,000 m2) of land. This area is important because it's where the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal ends. It's a great spot to learn about history and have fun!

What is Canal Place?

Canal Place is a park with many interesting things to see and do. It has a station plaza and a nice picnic area. There's even a replica of an old canal boat. You can walk across a pedestrian bridge to George Washington’s Headquarters. This historic spot was once part of Fort Cumberland.

Shops and Events

You can visit the Shops at Canal Place for unique items. The Crescent Lawn Festival Grounds often host fun events. The Western Maryland Railway Station is also here. This historic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Exploring the C&O Canal

The Cumberland Visitor Center is located at Canal Place. It's part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Inside, you'll find cool displays about the canal's history. You can learn how the canal was built and what kinds of cargo it carried. The exhibits also show how mules helped pull the boats. You'll see how locks worked and what life was like for the crew. The National Park Service runs this exhibit on the first floor of the railway station.

Ride a Historic Train

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers exciting rides on old trains. These trains leave right from the railway station at Canal Place. It's a fun way to experience history!

The Cumberland Canal Boat

"The Cumberland" is a full-size copy of a real canal boat. It's located on the Trestle Walk at Canal Place. During special events, guides in costumes tell stories about the canal. They explain what daily life was like on a canal boat. Visitors can even tour the mule shed and hay house. You can also see the Captain's cabin, which is set up just like it would have been long ago.

Who Manages Canal Place?

The Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority owns and manages all the facilities. This group was created by the State of Maryland in 1993. They work to keep Canal Place a special place for everyone to enjoy.

Images for kids

  • Canal Place Field, Cumberland MD

    This large field at Canal Place is perfect for gatherings.

  • Canal Place museum at Cumberland MD

    Looking towards the Western Maryland Railway Station museum.

  • Shops at Canal Place, Cumberland MD

    A row of shops at Canal Place.

  • The Cumberland (Boat) at Canal Place, Cumberland MD

    This is "The Cumberland," a replica of a canal boat at Canal Place.

  • Entrance to Canal Place Shops at Cumberland MD

    The entrance to the shops at Canal Place.

See also

  • Downtown Cumberland Historic District
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Canal Place Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.