The C&O Canal Companion

A comprehensive guide to one of America's unique national parks, The C& O Canal Companion takes readers on a mile-by-mile tour of the 184-mile Potomac River waterway and towpath that stretches from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, and the Allegheny Mountains. Making extensive use of records at the National Archives and the Park headquarters, the author demonstrates how events and places along the canal relate to the history of the nation, from Civil War battles and river crossings to the frontier forts guarding the route to the West. With photographs and drawings, he introduces park visitors to the hidden history along the canal and provides practical advice on cycling, paddling and hiking -- all the information needed to enjoy fully the park's varied delights. The new edition of this popular book features updated maps and the latest information on lodgings and other facilities for hikers, bikers, and campers. For a weekend excursion or an extended outdoor vacation, this guide remains indispensable for visitors to the C& O Canal park.

Praise for The C& O Canal Companion:

"An informative and affectionate guide to the canal written by C& O devotee Mike High... And yes, it'll fit comfortably in your backpack." -- Mid-Atlantic Country

"High gives practical information about exploring the canal and provides extensive historical background... Provides many opportunities for using the canal as a means of exploring this region's history." -- Historic Traveler

"There are other guides to the canal, but High's is the latest and may be the best. It's a mile-by-mile guide, well-illustrated, full of history and surrounding cultural notes. The more one learns about the canal, the more intriguing it is."--Fredricksburg Free Lance-Star

"A contender for the hearts and minds of canal buffs. It shows the results of serious historical research, particularly about the Civil War, and is well-written and organized." -- Washington Times

The author, Mike High, uses many interesting and entertaining vignettes to tell the story of the Canal. He divides the book into four parts: "Historical Sketch", "Structures along the Canal", "Visiting the Canal", and "Canal Guide".

The first two sections put the Canal into a fascinating historical and engineering context, including George Washington's role in the development of the Canal, and the Canal's involvement in the Civil War. The last section is a concise, mile-by-mile guidebook.

In addition to history, High also presents useful information, including accommodations located nearby the Canal and suggested activities on/near the Canal.

For $... a "best buy".


Great History, Great Guide   April 20, 2000
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

My family lived in Washington for ten years. We often hiked on the C & O Canal. I studied for a masters in American history while we were there. The C & O Canal Companion would have added enormously to all of those experiences.

Reading this book's vignettes provides intimate connections to our nation's past. For example, The Companion reports that after the Revolutionary War, George Washington founded the Patowmack Company, an early attempt at making the Potomac River navigable because of his interest in his "western properties" across the Appalachian mountains. This guide gives a glimpse of the first President that we do not always see while pointing out visible remnants of those efforts.

In a notation about Chain Bridge, a beloved route to many of today's Washington suburbs, the guide shows the Civil War up close and personal. A Confederate sentinel was posted on the south side of the bridge, a Union soldier, mere yards away, on the north side. Furthermore, that same entry gives a brief sketch of Private William Scott who fell asleep there on his post. Court-marshaled by McClellan, pardoned by President Lincoln, William Scott went on to fight and die in battle for the Union cause. The Companion furnishes helpful information about parking, hiking, bed and board opportunities which are difficult to find elsewhere. It gives addresses and telephone numbers for reservations or further information.

Having looked at the Companion for specific data on one short stretch of the Canal, I have been lured into reading further, more like following a story than studying a guide. It made me want to return to Washington with children, hiking boots and The Companion in hand.