Home on the Canal

by Elizabeth Kytle

Traces the history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and provides interviews with men and women who worked or lived on the canal

287 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1983

Reviews

[Bruce]

This book has two parts. The first part is a history of the C&O canal. Noting the building of the canal occurred simultaneously with the start of the B&O railroad the author provides (likely without realizing it) an example of how capitalism affects development. The B&O did everything it could to hinder the development of the canal by falsely claiming a right of way at Point of Rocks which halted construction for 4 years to buying politicians to undercutting pricing on the canal. The second part of the book contains recollections of people who lived the canal boat life.

[Jwt Jan50]

Great regional/economic history of the Potomac River and the Canal. Great to read if you live along the Canal, love to walk it or are thinking about a bike trip.

[Lynnae Snyder]

Read for work, so not rating it