Students will read and discuss A Journey on the C&O Canal in order to: 1) Learn why the C&O Canal is an amazing accomplishment in Maryland's history; 2) Learn why the C&O Canal is especially important to Washington County, Maryland; 3) Understand more about the genre of historical fiction and how it can teach us real information with characters who didn't actually live but could have; and 4) Describe what a typical nine-year old canal boy and family were like in the late 1800's. Background The lesson was designed for Washington County, Maryland, students who visit the Williamsport Visitor Cent Duration: 60 Minutes.