Maryland, Washington County, near Sharpsburg
![]()
History passed through the town of Shepherdstown for centuries. Native Americans cross the Potowomack River at the ford below the bluffs. German settlers crossed at Packhorse Ford as they emigrated from Pennsylvania into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, giving the name Mecklenburg to the town. In 1832, the C&O Canal arrived, providing a controlled transportation route to the west. The canal also brought businesses to town with a river lock, providing canal boats a means to cross to the Virginia town, then known as Shepherdstown.
During the Civil War the crossing, then Boteler's Ford, provided a location for frequent river and canal crossings by Confederate troops, most notably during the Antietam campaign in 1862.
Today, Shepherdstown is a college town which still has a strong feel of the past. An eclectic collection of shops and restaurants ranging from Bavarian to chic to college hang out, provide a choice for how to experience this Canal Town. Join the recreation minded residents of the town as they too bike, run, and walk between canal and town.
Towns along the C&O Canal
Since 1828 and the beginnings of the C&O Canal, towns along this waterway have both benefited from the commerce on the canal and supported those who used the canal.
Expand your canal experience with a visit into Shepherdstown and take in the hitory and services available today in this classic canal town.
(Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
History passed through the town of Shepherdstown for centuries. Native Americans cross the Potowomack River at the ford below the bluffs. German settlers crossed at Packhorse Ford as they emigrated from Pennsylvania into Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, giving the name Mecklenburg to the town. In 1832, the C&O Canal arrived, providing a controlled transportation route to the west. The canal also brought businesses to town with a river lock, providing canal boats a means to cross to the Virginia town, then known as Shepherdstown.During the Civil War the crossing, then Boteler's Ford, provided a location for frequent river and canal crossings by Confederate troops, most notably during the Antietam campaign in 1862.
Today, Shepherdstown is a college town which still has a strong feel of the past. An eclectic collection of shops and restaurants ranging from Bavarian to chic to college hang out, provide a choice for how to experience this Canal Town. Join the recreation minded residents of the town as they too bike, run, and walk between canal and town.
Towns along the C&O Canal
Since 1828 and the beginnings of the C&O Canal, towns along this waterway have both benefited from the commerce on the canal and supported those who used the canal.
Expand your canal experience with a visit into Shepherdstown and take in the hitory and services available today in this classic canal town.
(Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
