Research Topic

Canal

An important highway and shipping lane, the C&O Canal was an imperative part of everyday life for many eastern Jefferson County, WV families. Explore its impact from Shepherdstown to Harpers Ferry.

This topic appears in 101 indexed records between 1823 and 1919.
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101 Indexed Records
1823 Earliest Record
1919 Latest Record
Harpers Ferry Strongest Location
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November 18, 2025
November 18, 2025

Riot Among Irish Laborers

There was a riot among the laborers on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal a short time since. They assembled together to the number of 1000, nearly all of whom were Irish. The paraded through Hampshire and […]
January 16, 1838
December 4, 2019
December 4, 2019

Letter to Joseph H. Sherrard

Citizens request arms from Armory at Harpers Ferry. Reports a thousand Irish laborers on the C & O Canal have quit their jobs and are marching from Hancock to Old Town, destroying whatever is in their […]
January 6, 1838
December 10, 2020
December 10, 2020

6000 laborers on C&O

There are now engaged on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal six thousand laborers. When the whole work is put under contract it is supposed the number will be increased to 15,000. — Their wages at $1.25 […]
November 2, 1837
December 11, 2020
December 11, 2020

Viaduct at Harpers Ferry

A grand piece of workmanship is about to be commenced at Harpers Ferry. Proposals are to be received in a few days for the mason work of the bridge which is to be constructed across the […]
September 10, 1835
August 1, 2023
August 1, 2023

Wars of the Irish – Creed Murdered At Point of Rocks

WARS OF THE IRISH. We are deeply concerned to learn, that three murders, of the most foul and inhuman character, were perpetrated on Friday and Saturday night, on the line of the Canal, near the Point […]
June 26, 1834
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Related Topics

Common Record Types

Geographic Concentration

Time Periods

Time Period Concentration

This topic appears most frequently during the following decades.

1830s 42 records
1890s 13 records
1850s 5 records
1880s 5 records
1840s 4 records
1820s 3 records

Frequently Associated Families

These surnames most commonly appear alongside the topic "Canal" across historical collections.

Lucas
3 records
Mercer
3 records
Flanagan
3 records
Dixon
2 records
Price
2 records
Schley
2 records
Cruger
2 records
Boteler
2 records
McFarland
2 records
Reynolds
2 records
Hollman
2 records
Strider
2 records
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Timeline Help

A chronological listing of historical events which may have affected the lives of residents in eastern Jefferson County and surrounding areas.
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