Fort Hunter in Montgomery County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
East Guard Lock
Schoharie Crossing
— State Historic Site —
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2015
1. East Guard Lock Marker
Inscription.
East Guard Lock. Schoharie Crossing. In front of you are the stone remains of the East Guard Lock, which date to the original Erie Canal. A key element to the canal's operation was controlling the amount of water entering the system. Too much water was more dangerous than too little., The East Guard Lock was constructed to control flood waters flowing into the canal from the Schoharie Creek. During periods of flooding, two sets of doors in the East Guard Lock could be closed to prevent the swirling waters of the Schoharie from washing away the canal banks. Under normal conditions, the doors would be kept open, leaving a clear channel between the Erie Canal and the creek., Most of the structures on the original canal were removed when the Erie Canal was enlarged. The East Guard Lock, however, was used throughout the 19th century as part of a feeder canal that channeled water into the Enlarge Erie. The lock was used for flood control into the 20th century. This photograph dates from the "feeder" era. Courtesy of the First Hunter Canal Society.
In front of you are the stone remains of the East Guard Lock, which date to the original Erie Canal. A key element to the canal's operation was controlling the amount of water entering the system. Too much water was more dangerous than too little.
The East Guard Lock was constructed to control flood waters flowing into the canal from the Schoharie Creek. During periods of flooding, two sets of doors in the East Guard Lock could be closed to prevent the swirling waters of the Schoharie from washing away the canal banks. Under normal conditions, the doors would be kept open, leaving a clear channel between the Erie Canal and the creek.
Most of the structures on the original canal were removed when the Erie Canal was enlarged. The East Guard Lock, however, was used throughout the 19th century as part of a feeder canal that channeled water into the Enlarge Erie. The lock was used for flood control into the 20th century. This photograph dates from the "feeder" era. Courtesy of the First Hunter Canal Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 42° 56.361′ N, 74° 16.908′ W. Marker is in Fort Hunter, New York, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Schoharie Street south of Main
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Street, on the left when traveling south. This marker is on the site of the grounds of the Schoharie Crossing, State Historic Site, a short distance south of the State Historic Site Visitor Center, on a platform located on top of the East Guard Lock. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Hunter NY 12069, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph that dates from the "feeder" era, showing this portion of the original canal.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2015
3. East Guard Lock Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photograph showing the guard lock as part of the feeder canal, ca 1915.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2015
4. East Guard Lock Marker
View of the marker (the one on the right) situated on a platform, located on top of the East Guard Lock.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2015
5. East Guard Lock Marker
View of the marker, looking north towards the Historic Site Visitor's Center.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2015
6. East Guard Lock Marker
View of the marker, looking east, along the remains of the original Erie Canal, including the remains of the East Guard Lock.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 23, 2015
7. East Guard Lock Marker
View of the marker looking south along Schoharie Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.