The Engineering Feat: History of Dam #5 Clear Spring 🌊
When you look out over the rushing waters of the Potomac, you are seeing a site that was once a critical heartbeat of American commerce. The history of Dam #5 Clear Spring is a story of incredible human effort and strategic importance. Known also as the Honeywood Dam, it was built to divert water into the C&O Canal to keep the boats afloat during dry seasons. Staying at Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals allows you to be just minutes away from this site, where history and the power of the river collide.
1. Built to Feed the Canal 🚤
The history of Dam #5 Clear Spring began in the 1830s. The canal needed a steady supply of water to operate the locks downstream. This dam was one of seven built along the Potomac specifically for this purpose. It created a “slackwater” navigation area, allowing boats to travel directly on the river for a short distance. For guests at our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals, visiting the dam offers a glimpse into how engineers tamed the river nearly 200 years ago.
2. A Constant Target of the Civil War ⚔️
Because Dam #5 supplied water to the canal—a major coal transport route for the Union—it became a primary target for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. The history of Dam #5 Clear Spring includes multiple attempts by Confederate soldiers to blow up the dam in late 1861. They even waded into the freezing December waters to try and dismantle the stone and timber structure under sniper fire. Staying at our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals puts you right in the middle of this historic “front line.”
3. The “Honeywood” Connection 🍯
Before it was simply known by its number, the area was associated with the Honeywood Mill on the West Virginia side of the river. The history of Dam #5 Clear Spring is a reminder of how the river connected the communities of Maryland and West Virginia long before modern bridges existed. You can still see the remnants of the old structures today, making it a perfect day trip from our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals.
4. Family Hospitality from Karen and Tom Grosh 🤝
While the soldiers and engineers of the past were focused on the dam, Karen and Tom Grosh are focused on your comfort today. When you choose our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals, you get the best family hospitality Western Maryland has to offer. We live on the farm and take pride in making sure your stay is as peaceful as the river is powerful. As a small family-owned and operated business, we love sharing the history of Dam #5 Clear Spring with our visitors.
5. From Timber Crib to Concrete 🧱
The original dam was a “timber crib” structure—basically a giant wooden crate filled with heavy stones. The history of Dam #5 Clear Spring shows that it was eventually reinforced with concrete in the early 20th century to generate hydroelectric power. This evolution from hand-placed stones to modern concrete is a fascinating visual for anyone interested in industrial history visiting from our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals.
6. Exploring the Potomac River 🚣
The Potomac River, “The Nation’s River,” flows 383 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. At Dam #5, the river is wide and majestic. Whether you are fishing for smallmouth bass or paddling in the slackwater, the river is the star of the show. Learn more about local fishing spots at the Maryland DNR. It’s an essential experience when staying at our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals.
7. A Nostalgic Wagon Ride with a View 🚜
To see how the ridges of our farm overlook the river valley, join us for a Wagon Ride. We take you through our 100-acre estate, where you can see the landscape that the Civil War soldiers once traversed. It’s a great way to “make time for the family” and appreciate the terrain that makes the history of Dam #5 Clear Spring so dramatic.
8. Wildlife Sightings: The Bald Eagle 🦅
The area around Dam #5 is a haven for birds of prey. A Bald Eagle is a frequent visitor to the farm and the riverbanks near the dam. Watching these massive birds hunt in the spray of the water is a highlight for our guests. It’s one of the natural perks of choosing Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals for your next Maryland vacation.
9. Amazing Rainbows Over the Water 🌈
The mist from the dam combined with the mountain air often creates Amazing Rainbows that stretch across the Potomac. There is nothing quite like seeing a rainbow arching over a historic site like Dam #5. It adds a touch of magic to the history of Dam #5 Clear Spring that you can only experience in person.
10. Central to the Mid-Atlantic 📍
Whether you are coming from DC, VA, PA, or WV, we are the perfect home base for your historic tour. We are just 10 minutes from Fort Frederick State Park and the geological cuts at Sideling Hill. The history of Dam #5 Clear Spring is just one of many secrets waiting to be discovered near our Timber Valley Retreat cabin rentals.
Thank you for supporting our small family-owned and operated business. We are honored to help you explore the deep roots of Washington County. Check out our Airbnb Reviews to see why guests love our blend of history and hospitality!
Plan Your Historic Getaway
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