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The Watsontown Canal

The Watsontown Canal helped shape local economy and culture during the period of 1830-1880.  Because of the difficulty found in maintenance, canal popularity diminished and was gradually replaced by the railroad. 

Soundscapes

Watsontown Canal - Ms. Swartz's AP History Class, 2016
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Life on the Canal - Ms. Swartz's AP History Class, 2016
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Life on the Canal

Canal Taverns - Ms. Swartz's AP History Class, 2016
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Canal Taverns

The Watsontown Canal

Fun Facts

  • Construction spanned 1827-1831

  • Formally opened on July 4, 1834

  • First public works project in Pennsylvania

  • Engineers involved: Simeon Guilford, Hother Hage, Francis W. Rawle, and A. B. Waterford

  • Included 12 locks (90 x 17 feet) and spanned 39 miles (Susquehanna Division)

  • All boats were animal-drawn 

  • $40 million canal debt in Pennsylvania by 1855

  • Transported coal, iron ore, livestock, passengers, etc.

Works Cited

Barber, David G. "American Canal Society Index: West Branch Division." 
     American Canal Society Index, by William H. Shank. American Canal. 

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Members of Borough Council, Watsontown Borough Mayor And. Watsontown 1867-1967. 

 

Nornhold, Richard. Lecture. 9 Sept. 2016, Canal Boat Pavilion, Watsontown. 

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Shank, William H., P.E. The Amazing Pennsylvania Canals. American Canal and Transportation Center, 1960. 

 

Snyder, Charles F. Canals and Canal Lore. The Hunter Home. 

"Watsontown Canal." My Watsontown.

"West Branch Canal." Hands on Heritage, Robin Van Auken.

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