Cabin John Aqueduct

 

In 1857 work began on the Cabin John Aqueduct, under the supervision of Captain Montgomery C. Meigs. Part of the Washington Aqueduct system it carried Washington’s water supply and was finished during the Civil war in 1863. It was the largest single stone masonry arch in the world until 1903. Seneca Red stone, the same material used to build the Smithsonian Castle, was floated down the C&O canal for the aqueduct. In 1972 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. It still supplies Washington with water today, as well as supporting modern day traffic on MacArthur Blvd.

 

Facts and Figures

Directions
Length: 220 feet
  • From the Capitol beltway, take the Cabin John exit.
  • Continue on the parkway.
  • A large reddish stone arch will shortly appear. That is the aqueduct!
  • To cross the aqueduct U-turn at the Clara Barton parkway and follow the signs to MacArthur Blvd.
  • Turn left at the boulevard.

Map

References:

ASCE "Guide to History and Heritage Program"