Ferry Hill Plantation House in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
16500 Shepherdstown Pike
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
The Ferry Hill Plantation was built in the early 1800s by John Blackford. Ferry Hill was a slave plantation, though not a large one. Records show that eighteen slaves worked the 700 acres of the plantation. In addition to farming, Blackford ran a tavern and had an financial interest in a Potomac River ferry that had a terminus on his property. Since Blackford’s time—he died in 1839—the plantation house has been used as a restaurant, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal headquarters building, and a visitor center.
Back of the Ferry Hill Plantation house in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Ferry Hill Plantation House is now closed to the public, but the grounds are still open. If you have not seen an actual lock on the C&O Canal, Lock 38 is just a short walk away. A trail to the left of the house leads through the forest and down to the canal towpath. Take a left and walk under Highway 34 (Shepherdstown Pike) to get to the lock. Total distance is about 300 yards (.2 mile).
You can also get to the lock by vehicle. Exit the plantation and take the road directly across Shepherdstown Pike. A red barn is on the corner.
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Last updated on June 4, 2024
