Cumberland Dam

Cumberland Dam

At Cumberland, Maryland a dam was maintained across the North Branch of the Potomac River by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company for the purpose of diverting water of the river into the head of the canal. The Dam impounded water over a distance of a mile, causing back water for about 3 miles (4.8 km) up the river. Above the dam is the mouth of Wills Creek. This dam was built sometime before 1850.