Return to Overview Map
Visit a section of river between Fairfax Stone and Westernport...
Fairfax Stone
Kempton, Md.
Potomac State Forest
Jennings Randolph Lake
Savage River
Westernport, Md. |
The town of Westernport received its name because the original town settlement began at what was considered the western-most navigable point on the river. Westernport is the largest of what are called the "Tri-Towns"—Westernport and Luke, MD and Piedmont, W.Va. The primary source of employment for all three towns is the Luke mill of Mead/Westvaco Corporation, which manufactures more than 1,200 tons of high-grade paper each day. The Luke mill is one of the only remaining large manufacturing facilities left along the river.
Unlike towns further down the river that were accessible by both canal and railroad, Westernport and other towns along this stretch of the river relied primarily on the railroad to transport the coal that was mined in the area. As part of the historic preservation efforts by a local group of citizens, Westernport now has a small historic center and a restored caboose that are open to visitors.
Situated at the confluence of the Georges Creek and the Potomac, Westernport has suffered repeated flood damage, including significant damage during the September flood of 1996. To reduce possible damage in future floods, the town has relocated some of the citizens and begun a flood plain reclamation program to turn the flood plain area into a buffer zone and town park. Westernport Elementary School is playing a major role in the planting of trees and development of the park.
|
