A brief History of Rowser's Ford.
Part 1: How the ford came to be.
When the C&O canal was built they made a dam across the Potomac
River named Dam #2 (not very exciting) which was designed to feed
the canal water at Violet's Lock #23 from the Potomac River. The
dam was built of loose rubble, covered with an arch of dry-laid
stone. The lock built in the regular form of a lock with a 9-foot
lift to let boats pass to and from the Potomac. The dam of course
made it easy to cross the Potomac River below Dam #2 during periods
of low water.
Part 2: John S. Mosby
The famous partisan raider, had used Rowser's Ford. He left our
point of rendezvous yesterday for the purpose of making a night
attack on two cavalry companies of the enemy on the Maryland shore.
Had he succeeded in crossing the river at night, as expected, He
would have had no difficulty in capturing them; but, unfortunately,
his guide mistook the road, and, instead of crossing by 11 o clock
at night, he did not get over until after daylight. The enemy
(between 80 and 100 strong), being apprised of Mosby's movement,
were formed to receive him. A charge was ordered, the shock of
which the enemy could not resist, and they were driven several
miles in confusion, with the loss of 7 killed, a considerable
number wounded, and 17 prisoners; also 20 odd horses or more. They
burned their tents, stores, camp equipage, etc..
Part 3: J.E.B. Stuart.
While the Union was crossing Edwards Ferry on the 25th and 26th
J.E.B. Stuart was planning to cross further down the river. While
getting prepared it had been necessary to halt the command several
times since the 25th to graze the horses, for the country was
destitute of provisions, and Stuart had no vehicles with him save
ambulances. Upon reaching Dranesville Hampton's brigade was sent to
Rowser's Ford, and made the passage early in the night ; but the
Potomac was so wide, and the current so strong, that the ford was
reported impracticable for the artillery and the
ambulances. Another ford in the vicinity was
examined, under circumstances of great danger, by Captain R.B.
Kennon of Stuart's staff, but it was found to offer no better
prospect of success, and Stuart determined to cross at
Rowser's, if it were within the limits of possibility. The
caissons and limber-chests were emptied on the Virginia shore,
and the ammunition was carried over by the cavalrymen in their
hands. The guns and caissons, although entirely submerged
during nearly the whole crossing, were safely dragged through
the river and up the steep and slippery bank, and by three
o'clock on the morning of the 28th the rear-guard had crossed
and the whole command was established upon Maryland soil. No
more difficult achievement was accomplished by the cavalry
during the war. The night was calm and without a moon. No
prominent object marked the entrance to the ford on either
side, but horse followed horse through nearly a mile of water,
which often covered the saddles of the riders. Where the
current was strong the line would unconsciously be borne down
the river, sometimes so far as to cause danger of missing the
ford, when some bold rider would advance from the opposite
shore and correct the alignment. Energy, endurance, and skill
were taxed to the utmost ; but the crossing was effected, and
so silently that the nearest neighbors were not aware of it
until daylight. The soldiers captured a number of canal boats
in the area of Violette's lock, turning one sideways to
creating a bridge for his soldiers to cross. They abandoned
their plan to burn the other boats after the boat captains
persuaded them to have mercy on small businessmen. Instead,
Stuart's men transformed the boats into obstructions by
turning them sideways and then draining the water from that
section of the canal which crippled one of the lines of supply
for Hooker's army. After the arduous labors of the night some
rest was indispensable, especially for the artillery horses,
and the sun was several hours high before the command left the
Potomac for Rockville. Hampton's brigade moved in advance by
way of Darnestown, and found Rockville in the possession of a
small force of the enemy, which was speedily scattered.
Part 4: Today.
Rowser's Ford still exist today even though the Dam #2 has dwindled
over time. It can easily be seen while visiting Violet's lock or
from the overlook at the cache location by the large logs that get
stuck and bunched up at Dam #2. The area still maintains a lot of
uses as it is a good spot to go fishing, boating, biking and hiking
along the canal or Potomac River.
Enjoy the views and the hike!