Quarry, Mill & Canal: The Stone That Built the Smithsonian Castle
Sat, Jan 17
|Riley’s Lock (Lock 24) of the C&O Canal
Explore the historic locks, mill, and quarry at Seneca on a guided walk along the C&O Canal. Learn how Seneca sandstone helped build Washington, DC, and discover stories of canal life, labor, floods, and industry. Led by historian and influencer Joe Himali.
Time & Location
Jan 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Riley’s Lock (Lock 24) of the C&O Canal, 13015 Rileys Lock Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837, USA
About the event
Join local historian, walking tour guide, social media influencer, and longtime real estate professional Joe Himali for a guided walk through one of the most overlooked yet influential historic landscapes along the Potomac River.
This tour explores the C&O Canal at Riley’s Lock, the remains of the Seneca stone mill, and the quarry that supplied Seneca sandstone for some of Washington, DC’s most iconic buildings, including the Capitol and the Smithsonian Castle. Along the way, Joe brings the landscape to life with stories of lockkeepers, quarrymen, canal families, floods, industry, and the working-class community that once thrived here.
Joe is known for his engaging videos about history and architecture, and he brings that same clear, visual storytelling style to his in-person tours. With more than 27 years of experience as a successful real estate agent, he also adds insight into how land, infrastructure, and development shaped this landscape over time.
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