Discover the stone that was used to rebuild Washington D.C. after the British invaded in 1814. Join local historians, Paul Kreingold and Jon Wolz, on a hike to learn about the lost history of the Potomac Marble on our first Walk in the Woods of the year!
Paul Kreingold will discuss the 200-year-old quarries discovered during the research for his book Potomac Marble: History of the Search for the Ideal Stone. Mr. Kreingold is the Conservation Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and a Virginia Master Naturalist, Banshee Reeks Chapter.
Jon Wohl, Poolesville historian, C&O Canal expert and journalist will point out various, interesting Civil War and other historical sites along the way.
We will be walking about 2.2 miles each way to the quarry on the C&O Canal towpath. Once we reach the site we will cross over the canal in a usually dry spot and then scramble up a steep incline into the quarry itself.
We will meet at the Dickerson Conservation Area Parking Lot in Dickerson, MD (20700 Martinsburg Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842) at 10:30am. If you are using your GPS, please note that White’s Ferry is currently closed so you will need to use the bridge over the Potomac River at Point of Rocks off Route 15.
A few important items to note:
– Wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress appropriately, and bring a snack and water (there is no potable water during the hike). Don’t forget your camera and walking stick!
– Registration is required as space is limited. Please cancel your registration if you cannot attend so that we can open the spot for someone else.
– There is a well-maintained porta-potty about two miles from the starting point of the walk.
– We should return to our starting place before 3:00 PM.
– Each participant will be required to complete the following form (copies will be available at the beginning of the hike): https://www.potomacriver.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Liability-Waiver-and-Medical-Form_2020.pdf
– You will be notified by email if the event is delayed due to weather. The rain date is April 13.
