Clear Spring: Local History, National Pike, and C&O Canal

Clear Spring combines an early local history along the National Pike with the later use of the Potomac River for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. This variety offers a practical starting point for finding a hotel: you can plan your stay around whether you want to explore the town’s origins, historic buildings, and agricultural history, or canal construction and conditions along the towpath. The dates place these topics in different eras.

Early Local History Along the National Pike

The story of Clear Spring’s founding is linked to the National Pike. In 1821, Martin Myers laid out town lots along the new road. Two years later, a simple building was constructed across from the town spring to serve as Clear Spring’s first post office. These two early dates show different aspects of the town’s development: 1821 concerns the laying out of lots along a new transportation route, while 1823 marks the post office. This makes it possible to distinguish the town’s founding from its early postal history by referring to specific places.

Plumb Grove: Farm and Register History

Plumb Grove offers a glimpse into the history of a farm. Jonathan and Anne Nesbitt established the 137-acre farm in 1831 on Broadfording Road in Clear Spring, Maryland. The Plumb Grove house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The farm and the house should be treated as distinct points of reference: the 137-acre figure describes the farm, while the register listing applies specifically to the house. The years also answer different questions: 1831 marks the establishment of the farm, while 2012 marks the house’s listing on the register.

Potomac Dam No. 5 and Canal History

Canal history takes center stage at Potomac Dam No. 5. The dam is near mile 106.8 of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Clear Spring, Maryland. The Canal Company built it between 1857 and 1870 to impound water from the Potomac River and divert it into the canal for navigation. The construction period and the function answer different questions: the years indicate when it was built, while its purpose was to supply water for boat traffic. Compared with the 1821 and 1823 dates associated with the town’s founding, the dam’s construction belongs to a later historical period. The mile marker and park name place the structure in its canal context.

Planning a Visit Along the Towpath and at the Boat Ramp

When planning a visit along the towpath, it is important to note the limits of the work area. During construction, the section between mile 106 and mile 106.8 is closed. Outside the work zone, visitors can ride bikes, walk, run, and fish. The National Park Service visitor notice was last updated on July 14, 2026; check trail conditions before your visit, as construction conditions may change.

McCoys Ferry Boat Ramp has parking for cars and boat trailers, as well as a restroom facility with a pit or composting toilet. This infrastructure may change, so check the facilities before your visit. Blair's Valley Lake is also one of Clear Spring’s local attractions.

Discover more destinations: Hagerstown, Keedysville.

Return to the main travel overview: Washington.