The canal's Lockkeeper's House, built in 1837 near the present-day intersection of 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, was preserved and is now the oldest building on the National Mall.

[1][2] During the early years of the United States there was great interest among political leaders in building canals for economic development.

Pierre (Peter) Charles L'Enfant, designing a master plan for the development of the capital city, provided for the construction of a canal between the Eastern Branch and Tiber Creek.

The canal then turned sharply to the west, joining a straightened and channelized Tiber Creek, which had earlier flowed westward.

As originally built, the Washington City Canal was shallow and only accommodated boats drawing 3 feet of water or less.

During the Civil War years the canal deteriorated further and was serving as both a sewer and storm drain system for the central part of the city.

In 1871, Alexander "Boss" Shepherd, the city's director of Public Works, directed that the Tiber Creek portion of the canal be covered over.

The southern portion of the Washington City Canal remained open for years afterward, but was eventually paved over.

[14] At present, the streams flowing under the city in the sewers are often referred to as Tiber Creek though its common past with the Canal is acknowledged.