McConnelsville in Morgan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Windlass or Crab Winch

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 7, 2009

1. Windlass or Crab Winch Marker

Inscription. The earliest North American mechanism used to open miter gates on steamboat locks were muscle powered, geared winches (windlass, crabs), which quickly replaced balance beams when lock widths exceeded about 25 feet. This 3,360 pound windlass miraculously survived and is one of 4 known to exist (other than 3 sets similar in design on the Lowell Canal in Massachusetts) in North America.
Eight of these windlasses were required at each lock. One winch was used to open a gate while a corresponding one was on the opposite lock wall to close the gate, both taking in and letting out at the same time. These windlasses were used on the Muskingum River Locks from 1840 to the early 1880's.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 39° 38.58′ N, 81° 50.763′ W. Marker is in McConnelsville, Ohio, in Morgan County. Marker is on Riverside Drive (Ohio Route 376), on the right when traveling east. Marker is next to the Muskingum River Lock. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: McConnelsville OH 43756, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Two River Towns: McConnelsville and Malta (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Chandler Christy (approx. 0.4 miles away); McConnelsville Persian Gulf War Memorial

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); McConnelsville World War I Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lelia Morris & Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Since 1880 (approx. half a mile away); Purple Heart Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Evelyn True Button House (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McConnelsville.

Windlass or Crab Winch and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 7, 2009

2. Windlass or Crab Winch and Marker

Muskingum River Lock image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 7, 2009

3. Muskingum River Lock

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 4, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.