Near Phillipsport in Sullivan County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Towpath

Delaware & Hudson Canal

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2019

1. Towpath Marker

Inscription. Mules or occasionally horses, harnessed together and linked by rope to the boats, trudged along the towing or towpath, pulling the canal boats through the water while on board the tillerman, or steersman, steered. The animals walked about a foot from the edge of the canal, sometimes veering even closer, so close that once in a while they fell in. These animals worked hard, typically walking about twenty miles a day and 3,000 miles per season eating and sleeping as they walked. In life as in death, mules were soon found to be more efficient than horses — they were stronger and easier to maintain, and when they fell sick they died quickly, unlike horses who lingered, to the great inconvenience of all concerned.

The opening of the canal amazed local residents. They had never seen a towpath or a boat being pulled through the water by animals. Although strongly discouraged by the canal company, some families and courting couples used the towpath for leisurely strolls, particularly on Sunday when there was no activity on the canal.

Erected by Delaware & Hudson Canal Linear Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 41°

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37.922′ N, 74° 27.148′ W. Marker is near Phillipsport, New York, in Sullivan County. Marker can be reached from Bova Road, 0.1 miles west of U.S. 209, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located along the canal trail at the Bova Road Interpretive Center of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Linear Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Phillipsport NY 12769, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History of the Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Boothroyd House (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Canal (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waste Weirs (about 400 feet away); Locks (about 400 feet away); Canal Basin & Sluiceway (about 500 feet away); Dry Docks (about 500 feet away); Lock No. 50 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Phillipsport.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Delaware & Hudson Canal

Marker detail: A young boy, perhaps only ten years old, leads his team in this c. 1890’s photo image. Click for full size.

Collection of the Minisink Valley Historical Society

2. Marker detail: A young boy, perhaps only ten years old, leads his team in this c. 1890’s photo

Life on the canal was often hard for these young children.

Marker detail: Several mules necessary as canal was enlarged and able to take increased loads image. Click for full size.

Collection of the Minisink Valley Historical Society

3. Marker detail: Several mules necessary as canal was enlarged and able to take increased loads

Marker detail: A small child leads two mules along the canal image. Click for full size.

Collection of the Minisink Valley Historical Society

4. Marker detail: A small child leads two mules along the canal

Marker detail: John Hull, captain of the boat, steers through the Sparrowbush section of the canal image. Click for full size.

Collection of the Minisink Valley Historical Society

5. Marker detail: John Hull, captain of the boat, steers through the Sparrowbush section of the canal

Towpath Marker • <i>wide view<br>(D&H Canal ruins in background)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2019

6. Towpath Marker • wide view
(D&H Canal ruins in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 22, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.