Spencerville in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Miami – Erie Canal
Lock 15
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 5, 2009
1. Miami – Erie Canal Marker
From 1845 to about 1906 barges pulled by horses provided transportation from the Ohio River to Lake Erie through a system of locks which raised or lowered boats to the next level of the canal.
Locks often became sites of towns, beginning with a tender’s house, followed by a stable, tavern and mill.
The canal was hand-dug to a minimum width of 26’ at the bottom and 40’ at the waterline.
The first boat to Toledo left Cincinnati June 27, 1845, with the trip taking 4 days and 5 nights at a cost of 3 cents per passenger mile.
After railroads caused canal importance to decline, the locks were abandoned.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Miami & Erie Canal series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1885.
Location. 40° 42.347′ N, 84° 21.355′ W. Marker is in Spencerville, Ohio, in Allen County. Marker is at the intersection of South Canal Street and West 1st Street, on the left when traveling south on South Canal Street. This historical marker is located along the west side of the Miami and Erie Canal, as the canal runs through the
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Miami-Erie Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowersock Bros. Post No. 6772 Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Village of Spencerville (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Village of Spencerville (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Village of Spencerville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Kolter's Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spencerville (approx. 0.3 miles away); Spencerville Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spencerville.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 5, 2009
2. Miami – Erie Canal Marker
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 5, 2009
3. Miami – Erie Canal / Lock 15
View of Miami and Erie Canal where Lock 15 is situated with a view of historical marker, located in group of bushes, just to the right of the site of Lock 15.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,574 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
