Danville in Montour County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The North Branch Canal
Pennsylvania Canal Network
br> At Danville the canal veered away from its normal place along the river to the center of town close to where the Montgomery family had mills. At one time Mill Street merchants advertised their business as north or south of the canal. Both cargo and packet boats, which had sleeping and dining accommodations traveled the canal attracting local residents and visitors to the dock with the sounding of a conch horn announcing their arrival. In 1849 more than 5,000 people greeted the troops returning home in packet boats from the War with Mexico.
br> The use of anthracite coal in the iron furnaces in Montour County and the rolling of the first T Rail for building railroads at the Montour Iron Works on October 8, 1845, contributed significantly to the success of the North Branch Canal. Thousands of tons of coal were shipped from the Wyoming coalfields to produce the rails, which in turn were shipped to markets by canal boats pulled by mules at 4 miles per hour. Ironically, as railroads were built, they became the preferred method of transportation, leading to the demise of the canal system.
br> (Inscription under the image in the left)
North Branch Canal near Danville
Erected by Susquehanna Greenway.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Canal series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 8, 1845.
Location. 40° 57.737′ N, 76° 37.058′ W. Marker is in Danville, Pennsylvania, in Montour County. Marker is on Mill Street. Marker is next to the Danville Municipal Building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Danville PA 17821, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Manse (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Montour County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home of First Iron "T" Rail in America (approx. 0.2 miles away); Montgomery House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Montour County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Iron Rails (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christopher Sholes (approx. 0.2 miles away); 115 East Market Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 21, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.