Matildaville at its height boasted the Potomac Canal Company superintendant's house, a market, gristmill, sawmill, foundry, inn, ice house, workers' barracks, boarding houses, and a sprinkling of small homes. Boaters stopped here to wait their turn through the locks, to change cargo, or to enjoy an evening in town before continuing their journey.
Built to support the canal industry, Matildaville's fate was tied to that of the canal. With the demise of the canal in the 1820's Matildaville lost its reason for existence. These few fragile remains represent what is left of Light-Horse Harry's dream city. (Source: NPS publications)