Goshen in Elkhart County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Millrace Hydraulic Canal - Hawks Electric Company

Millrace Canal Trail

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 7, 2013

1. Millrace Hydraulic Canal - Hawks Electric Company Marker

Inscription. Built as a source of hydraulic power for Goshen's industries, the Millrace Canal gave rise to a new form of energy in the late 1890's - electricity. In 1898 the energy of the canal was harnessed by the Hawks Electric Company's central generating station, located on this site. The plant supplied electricity for Goshen, Middlebury, Millersburg, Benton, New Paris, Wakarusa, Bremen, Syracuse, and Milford.

Also containing an auxiliary steam plant to generate electricity when water power was low, this site continued to be the main source of electrical energy for the area until the 1920's. The original tailgates building, through which the water of the Millrace flowed, stands today as a reminder of the canal's pivotal role in the transformation of Goshen to a center of industry.

Erected by Goshen Parks and Recreation Department.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 41° 35.098′ N, 85° 50.295′ W. Marker is in Goshen, Indiana, in Elkhart County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of W. Washington St and S. 2nd St. Marker is on the Millrace Canal Trail at the W. Washington Street Trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Goshen IN 46526, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Old Stone Bridge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Historic Goshen Police Booth (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elkhart County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Elkhart County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Elkhart County Honor Roll (approx. ¼ mile away); Goshen World War I Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Howard W. Hawks (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Old Goshen High School (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goshen.

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 7, 2013

2. Millrace Hydraulic Canal - Hawks Electric Company Marker

Original tailgates building in background

Hawks Electric Company Central Generating Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, April 7, 2013

3. Hawks Electric Company Central Generating Station

Close-up of image on marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 622 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on December 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.