Project Links
2026 - Repair Critical Exterior Components of the Barr House
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » 2026 - Repair Critical Exterior Components of the Barr House
The Barr House, also referred to as the John Blackford House, is a two-and-a-half story, three-bay stone building with a two-story front wood porch, covered by a metal gable roof. It is located along Canal Road in Washington County, MD and is built into a small hill, with topography surrounding the north and east sides of the building. The house was built circa 1839 in the small town of Bridgeport, adjacent to Lock 38 on the C&O Canal. The house is in need of repairs to critical exterior components, such as the roof, porch, windows and doors. The building is listed in the National Register as a contributing feature to the C&O Canal National Historical Park Historic District.
Repairs and replacement of components of the building will be completed with in-kind materials. Additional work to replace, repair, and/or stabilize first floor joists may also be included in the project scope. In addition to work on the exterior of the building, the park will be regrading portions of the landscape behind the building and addressing surface water drainage which has caused damage to interior components.
Work will be completed by NPS Historic Preservation Training Center staff and will be consistent with building recommendations identified in a 2020 Historic Structures Assessment Report.
Work is expected to begin in summer 2026.
Repairs and replacement of components of the building will be completed with in-kind materials. Additional work to replace, repair, and/or stabilize first floor joists may also be included in the project scope. In addition to work on the exterior of the building, the park will be regrading portions of the landscape behind the building and addressing surface water drainage which has caused damage to interior components.
Work will be completed by NPS Historic Preservation Training Center staff and will be consistent with building recommendations identified in a 2020 Historic Structures Assessment Report.
Work is expected to begin in summer 2026.