McCoys Ferry - C and O Canal
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
McCoys Ferry - C and O Canal
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
An early autumn view of the peaceful Potomac River and West Virginia from McCoys Ferry Landing along the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Clear Springs, Maryland.
Located at mile 110.4 along the C&O Canal towpath, this is a camping, boating, and picnic area. This was once a ferry landing used to transport goods and people across the Potomac River.
During the Civil War, the Union and Confederate troops clashed over river crossings such as this since they were access points along the two warring nations' border. These skirmishes spread fear among the nearby communities and the people who worked along the Canal.
There were two incidents here at McCoys Landing: On May 23, 1861, Confederates succeeded in capturing the ferry boat and were crossing the river back to Virginia (now West Virginia) when Union troops arrived. The ensuing skirmish forced the Confederates to abandon the boat in the middle of the river. The crewless ferry boat was adrift moving downstream towards Dam #5. Luckily, Union soldiers were able to retrieve it and restore the ferry operations. That next year on, October 10, 1862, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart and his cavalry units were successful getting across the Potomac on the Ferry. They made it up to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where they raided a Union arsenal and burned several buildings.
Copyright 2021 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
February 5th, 2021
Statistics
Viewed 2,695 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/25/2024 at 6:07 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet