Colonie in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Weighlock Building
1850-1915
This Greek-revival building was one of several weigh stations along the Canal used to levy the tolls for barges carrying merchandise and farm goods.
Until 1850 freight cargoes were measured by the displacement theory, but this hydraulic type worked with scales rather than displacement. After a boat entered the lock and came to rest on a wooden cradle, certain rods transferred the weight along a series of levers to the beam of the scales inside the Weighlock building. The Weigh Master moved a center balancing weight along the beam which determined the weight of the loaded boat.
The Weighlock was no longer needed in the late 1800's because the State abolished tolls in order to compete with the railroads.
Erected 1983 by Town of Colonie.
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 Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 42° 44.206′ N, 73° 42.013′ W. Marker is in Colonie, New York, in Albany County. Marker is on 2nd Avenue (New York State Route 32) north of 26th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in Maplewood Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watervliet NY 12189, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Maplewood Historic Park (a few steps from this marker); Erie Canal (approx. ¼ mile away); Mayor James F. Cavanaugh (approx. 0.4 miles away); T'was The Night Before Christmas (approx. half a mile away); Locking Through (approx. half a mile away); Uncle Sam Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Rescue of Charles Nalle (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Nalle Rescue (approx. 0.6 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Old Erie Canal - West Troy Weighlock. The Travels of Tug 44 website entry (Submitted on March 19, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.)
2. Weigh Lock House at West Troy. The Erie Canal website entry (Submitted on March 19, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York.)
Additional keywords. West Troy Weighlock Weigh Lock Watervliet Erie Canal Historic Marker Maplewood Colonie
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,251 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 4. submitted on May 17, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 5. submitted on September 22, 2021, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.