Near Lickdale in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Union Canal

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

1. Union Canal Marker

Inscription. Following the Swatara Creek from Pine Grove to main line of the Canal at Water Works was a Feeder Branch. It was in use from 1832-1862. A portion of the Big Dam, a guard lock, and several lift locks remain on the other side of the Swatara.

Erected 1950 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and the Union Canal series lists.

Location. 40° 28.789′ N, 76° 31.932′ W. Marker is near Lickdale, Pennsylvania, in Lebanon County. Marker is on State Highway 72, on the right when traveling north. Located on the southern end of Swatara State Park. 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Swatara Gap (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sattazahn Lutheran Church (approx. 1.3 miles away); Fort Swatara (approx. 1.4 miles away); Union Forge (approx. 2.2 miles away); Transportation Corps Unit Training Center (approx. 3 miles away); OH-6A Cayuse

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 3.7 miles away); AH-1F Bell (approx. 3.7 miles away); UH-1 Iroquois (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lickdale.

Also see . . .
1. 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.)

2. Swatara Watershed Association. Website with additional information about sites and history of the creek and canal. (Submitted on October 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

2. Union Canal Marker

Bridge over Swatara Creek and the Canal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

3. Bridge over Swatara Creek and the Canal

The plate over the bridge reads:
1890, Built by The Berlin Iron Bridge Co., East Berlin, Conn., Douglas & Jarvis Pat. Ap'l 16, 1878 & Ap'l 17, 1885. A.P Foresman, Wm. S. Starr, T.J. Strebeigh, Commissioners.

Swatara Creek image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

4. Swatara Creek

Swatara Creek passes down from the gap by the same name through the Blue Mountain Range.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

5. Lift Lock

Traces of the lift lock can be seen through the dense underbrush on the east side of the creek.

Portions of the Old Canal Path image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

6. Portions of the Old Canal Path

Swatara Creek Water Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008

7. Swatara Creek Water Trail

This section of the park is one of many stops in the water trail. The trail follows the course of the creek and canal from Pine Grove to Middletown, Pennsylvania.

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 1,623 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.