Canal Place Heritage Area
Comes To Life

1850: The Story Begins.

The early residents of Cumberland recognized the need to cultivate the city as a transportation hub and to build on its role as the starting point of the westbound National Road. Appealing to the promoters of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (begun in Georgetown, Maryland in 1828) the City donated land for the Boat Basin, granted the Board indemnity from any flood damage, and gained a new opportunity as the Canal’s Western Terminus. When it opened in 1850 the C&O Canal ushered in an era of rapid development that established the City of Cumberland as the “Gateway to the West” for all modes of travel.

1880-1920: The Boom Years.

Just as its strategic location at the crossroads of Wills Creek and the North Branch of the Potomac River established Cumberland’s importance in the Colonial era, it also created a flourishing community in the late 19th Century. Cumberland was home to a variety of important service and manufacturing industries linked to the C&O Canal, the B&O Railroad, and the National Road, all impacting the growth of the “Queen City.” The city's social structure and its architecture reflected its position as the Maryland’s second largest commercial center. The Canal served as a major transportation route for coal and other cargo, and the people who worked the Canal played a major role in the cultural development of Cumberland.

1993: The Birth of Canal Place.

In 1993 the State of Maryland created the Canal Place Preservation & Development Authority to oversee the preservation, development and management of the Canal Place Preservation District, a designated area within the City of Cumberland surrounding the Western Terminus of the C&O Canal. The Authority’s ongoing mission is to honor and preserve the history of Cumberland and the Canal while bringing history to life for visitors and residents alike. With the adoption of its strategic management plan in 1996, the Authority laid the groundwork for one of the most significant heritage tourism developments in the State.

2000 and Beyond: The Vision
Becomes Reality.

Since the completion of the Canal Place Management Plan, the Authority has undertaken several major rehabilitation and restoration projects. Several projects are already completed, such as the renovation of the historic Western Maryland Railway Station. That grand building is now home to the administrative offices of the Canal Place Authority as well as the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the C&O Canal National Historical Park Cumberland Visitor’s Center, the Allegany County Convention & Visitor's Bureau, the All Aboard Cafe, Westmar Tours, and several professional offices.

The renovation of the Railway Station involved the complete rehabilitation of the building and the replication of the dual canopies which originally graced the platform area of the Station. A third track was also laid for use as a display track, and the entire platform area was restored to its early 20th Century grandeur. Additional enhancements included the addition of a fountain and sculpture to the plaza in front of the Station and the extension of the brick walkway lining the platform area to connect with a new pedestrian bridge spanning Wills Creek. The bridge connects the Station and other areas of Canal Place with Riverside Park, current site of the cabin which served as George Washington’s headquarters at Fort Cumberland.

As the new millennium enters its infancy, further exciting developments are planned for the Canal Place Heritage Area. Development plans include a pedestrian walkway along a former railroad trestle which will cross the canal basin and terminate in an overlook at the Potomac River. This “Trestle Walk” follows the perimeter of the Crescent Lawn Festival Grounds (also in development). While the festival grounds have not yet begun construction, the Crescent Lawn is already in use annually by several major festivals including C&O CanalFest, Railfest and Heritage Days. In the near future, Canal Place will feature a year-round schedule of activities and attractions for visitors and residents of Western Maryland.

Also on the horizon are the development and reuse of the historic Footer Dye Works building, parking and signage improvements, and construction of the crown jewel of the Canal Place Heritage Area... the rewatered terminus of the C&O Canal, complete with canal boat rides operated by the National Park Service. However, the potential of this unique and historic area does not end with its physical development. If we were able to gaze into the future a few years and could look back at the journey that brought Canal Place to a point where its physical form has taken shape, we would also see that a rewatered canal is not the final destination. The unique assets of the terminus region, its place in history, as well as the beauty of its natural resources, distinguish Canal Place as an ideal setting for a multitude of activities and events for years to come. We invite you to come and experience all the wonderful and unique facets of Maryland's first Certified Heritage Area, Canal Place!

Directions to Canal Place:

Take Exit 43-C, Downtown. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Harrison Street. Continue to the traffic signal at Mechanic & Harrison Street. Go straight ahead into the Western Maryland Railway Station parking lot.

Take Exit 43-C, Downtown. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Queen City Drive. Go to the first traffic signal and turn left onto Harrison Street. Continue to the traffic signal at Mechanic & Harrison Street. Go straight ahead into the Western Maryland Railway Station parking lot.

Visitor information is available at the north end of the first floor of the Western Maryland Railway Station.

For More Information:
Canal Place Preservation
& Development Authority
Western Maryland Railway Station
13 Canal Street Room 301,
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
Phone/Fax: 301-724-3655
Toll Free (in Maryland only):
800-989-9394
TTY/TDD: 800-735-2258

Related Links:
Downtown Cumberland - Gain some insight into local shopping, dining, attractions, events and professional services in the downtown historic district.