Reed Township near Duncannon in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pennsylvania Canal
Eastern Division
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008
1. Pennsylvania Canal Marker
This Division was built, 1826-33; operated until 1901. Here, at old Clark's Ferry Towpath Bridge, the State's great inland canal traffic in iron, coal, and lumber crossed the Susquehanna. Lykens Valley coal trade, by way of Wiconisco Canal, joined it on the east bank.
Erected 1952 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Canal, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and the Union Canal series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 40° 23.77′ N, 77° 0.451′ W. Marker is near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Reed Township. Marker is on South River Road (Route 147), on the right when traveling east. The marker is next to the railroad tracks, just south of the U.S. 22 & 322, near Clarks Ferry Bridge over the Susquehanna River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2285 PA-147, Dauphin PA 17018, 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. Clark's Ferry Bridge Company (approx. half a mile away); Lightning Guider Sleds (approx. 0.8 miles away); Clark's Ferry Tavern (approx.
this page online
Regarding Pennsylvania Canal. The Pennsylvania Canal's Eastern Division, which opened in 1833, ran 43 miles along the east side of the Susquehanna River between Columbia and Duncan's Island at the mouth of the Juniata River. The canal included 14 locks with an average lift of 7.5 feet. The state originally planned a canal of 24 miles running between the Union Canal at Middletown to the Juniata. However, the plan changed in 1828, when the state opted to extend the Eastern Division 19 miles further south to connect with the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad at Columbia.
Additional keywords. Transportaion, Pennsylvania Canal, Clark's Ferry, Susquehanna, Lykens Valley, Wiconisco Canal
Photographed By John G. Frantz, October 20, 2007
2. Pennsylvania Canal Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 20, 2008
3. Bridges of the Susquehanna
Where once canal boats passed, the river is crossed by US Highway 22 and 322.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2008, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,972 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 5, 2008, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 3. submitted on October 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.
