Canawlers

The Fitzgeralds made their living on the C&O Canal, but the Civil War brought them problems. Can they survive when caught in the crossfire between two nations?

       Body: Hugh Fitgerald proudly calls himself a "canawler." He works on the C&O Canal transporting coal nearly 185 miles between Cumberland and Georgetown in Maryland. For nine months a year, he and his family live on their canal boat, working hard to earn enough to get through the lean winter months.

       That became a lot harder in 1862. To this point, the Confederacy has stayed south of the canal, which runs along the Potomac River, but now the Confederate Army intends to go on the offensive and take the war into the Union states.

       Not only are the Fitzgeralds' loves endangered by the increased activity of warring armies and raiders on the canal, but the Fitzgeralds' secret activity as a stop along the Underground Railroad only endangers their lives all the more.

       This new "25th Anniversary Collection" edition of Canawlers features a brand-new short story, "The Freeman." The book itself has been re-edited and reformatted for an easier read, and historic pictures of the canal have been added throughout the story to create the ultimate way to enjoy the adventures of the Fitzgerald Family.