Fort Hunter in Montgomery County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lock 30
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 5, 2013
1. Lock 30 Marker
Inscription.
Lock 30 of the Enlarged Erie Canal was built between 1838 and 1841 in this location to allow for the efficient operation of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the canal over, and totally apart from, the Schoharie Creek. Prior to the aqueduct's construction, the original Erie Canal had entered the creek itself, creating a hazardous crossing when the creek was flooding., Because the aqueduct had to be high enough for the Schoharie Creek to flow freely underneath, the Enlarged Erie Canal had to be "stepped-up" to reach the eastern end of the aqueduct. Locks 30 and 29, about a half-mile east of here, raised the canal the 18 1/2- feet required to reach the level of the new structure.
Lock 30 of the Enlarged Erie Canal was built between 1838 and 1841 in this location to allow for the efficient operation of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the canal over, and totally apart from, the Schoharie Creek. Prior to the aqueduct's construction, the original Erie Canal had entered the creek itself, creating a hazardous crossing when the creek was flooding.
Because the aqueduct had to be high enough for the Schoharie Creek to flow freely underneath, the Enlarged Erie Canal had to be "stepped-up" to reach the eastern end of the aqueduct. Locks 30 and 29, about a half-mile east of here, raised the canal the 18 1/2- feet required to reach the level of the new structure.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 42° 56.464′ N, 74° 17.066′ W. Marker is in Fort Hunter, New York, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Schoharie Street and Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Hunter NY 12069, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Schoharie Crossing (here, next to this marker); The Schoharie Aqueduct (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct
Historic map showing the original and Enlarged Erie Canals, Lock 30, and the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct. Courtesy of the New York State Archives and Records Administration.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 5, 2013
3. Lock 30 Marker Detail: Photo of Lock, Boat & Store
Barge traveling west, with lock tender's shanty (center), and Brown's Cash Store (far right), ca. 1900. Courtesy of the Fort Hunter Canal Society.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 5, 2013
4. Lock 30 Marker Detail: Photo of Lock & Bridge
Lock 30 facing east, showing a Whipple truss bridge, ca. 1895. Courtesy of the Fort Hunter Canal Society.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 5, 2013
5. Lock 30 Marker
The interpretive sign on the right is the Lock 30 marker.
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, November 11, 2023
6. Site of Lock 30
The stones on the surface are the remnants of Lock 30.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 576 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 7, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 6. submitted on November 12, 2023, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.