Near Independence in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mule Power

Towing Canal Boats

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019

1. Mule Power Marker

Inscription. Hi, I’m Blossom. During the canal days.mules like me walked the towpath, pulling heavy boats behind us. We were strong engines, able to haul 60 tons or more of freight. Mules worked in teams of two or three. Cargo boats had a middle cabin to stable a second team. The two teams switched every six hours.

Some people say mules are stubborn, but I think we’re just smart. Horses can work themselves to an early grave. Mules have sense enough to stop when we’re tired. And we refuse to do anything dangerous. Over time horses will get mouth and harness sores. Not mules. We are also cheaper to feed. Now I’m not saying horses are bad. They are faster than mules. Early passenger boats used teams of horses when speed was more important than endurance.

I got my intelligence from my father. He’s a donkey. I got my athletic ability from my mother. She’s a horse. What is the best trait that you inherited from each parent?

Erected by Ohio & Erie Canalway; National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio and Erie Canal series list.

Location. 41° 22.319′ N, 81°

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36.789′ W. Marker is near Independence, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Hillside Road and Canal Road, on the left when traveling west. marker is on the Ohio & Erie Canal Tow Path Trail south of the Canal Exploration Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9900 Hillside Road, Independence OH 44131, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Hell's Half Acre (within shouting distance of this marker); Lock 38 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Valley View Veterans Honor Roll (approx. 0.6 miles away); Valley View Village Town Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); South Park Village and the Whittlesley Tradition (approx. one mile away); Late Prehistoric Period (approx. one mile away); Lock 37 (approx. 1.3 miles away); Floods and Repairs (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

Additional keywords. Ohio & Erie Canal

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019

2. Mule Power Marker

full view of marker

Statue of a mule, next to the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019

3. Statue of a mule, next to the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.