In 1993 the State of Maryland created the Canal Place Preservation & Development Authority to oversee the preservation, development, and management of the Canal Place Preservation District, a designated area in Cumberland around the western end of the C&O Canal. Our ongoing mission is to honor and preserve local heritage and the C&O Canal and bring history to life for visitors and residents alike. With the adoption of a strategic management plan in 1996, the Authority laid the groundwork for development of a significant heritage tourism destination.

Today, Cumberland’s transportation heritage is alive at Canal Place. Visitors can ride a steam train, hike or bike the towpath, tour a full scale Canal Boat Replica, learn about canal history at the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s Cumberland Visitor Center, enjoy unique festivals like our annual CanalFest/RailFest and, in the near future, take a ride on a canal boat on the rewatered terminus!

Join us as we celebrate our canal heritage at Maryland’s first Certified Heritage Area, Canal Place!

Canal Place Board
Andy Vick, Chairman
Rick Thayer, Vice Chairman
Kevin Brandt
Howard Buchanan
Matt Diaz
Susan Keller
Kathy McKenney
Doug Schwab
Kara Rogers Thomas