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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Near Jonestown in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Union Canal

 
 
Union Canal Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 19, 2008
1. Union Canal Marker
Inscription. After entering the reservoir at the Big Dam in Swatara Gap, the water from Swatara Creek came down the branch canal to the Water Works, 3.7 miles southwest of here. At that point it was raised by water wheels and steam pumps and carried by a feeder tube to the summit level near Lebanon. From there the canal descended eastward to Reading and westward to Middletown.
 
Erected 1997 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & CommerceWaterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and the Union Canal series lists.
 
Location. 40° 23.725′ N, 76° 29.173′ W. Marker is near Jonestown, Pennsylvania, in Lebanon County. Marker is at the intersection of Jonestown Road (State Highway 72) and New Bunker Hill Road, on the right when traveling north on Jonestown Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jonestown PA 17038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Walter (approx. 3 miles away); Union Canal Tunnel (approx. 3.4 miles away); a different marker also named Union Canal Tunnel
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(approx. 3.6 miles away); Union Canal Company of Pennsylvania (approx. 3.6 miles away); Reed's Fort (approx. 3.9 miles away); Remembering the Men and Women (approx. 4.1 miles away); Cleona (approx. 4.1 miles away); Union Forge (approx. 4.1 miles away).
 
More about this marker. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission website lists this marker as dedicated in April 1950. The date of 1997 on the marker may indicate it was replaced in that year.
 
Also see . . .
1. Union Canal of Pennsylvania. The canal was first proposed in colonial times, and even surveyed before the Revolutionary War. However construction was slow due to financial issues, and was only completed in 1828. (Submitted on October 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.) 

2. Union Canal. The canal was expanded and enlarged while in operation. But floods and competition with the railroads eventually forced its closure in 1881. (Submitted on October 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.) 
 
Union Canal Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 19, 2008
2. Union Canal Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,018 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
 
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Union Water Works area. • Can you help?

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Mar. 19, 2024