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

The Canal & the Railroad

Delaware & Hudson Canal

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2019

1. The Canal & the Railroad Marker

Inscription. With the opening of the Erie Canal, "canal fever" swept many parts of the United States and hastened the development of the Delaware & Hudson Canal. A few decades later, just after the Civil War, “railroad fever" gripped the nation, creating a new, more efficient mode of transportation and leading eventually to the demise of the canals.

The D&H Canal and the Ontario and Western Railroad coexisted for some time, as company managers, driven by a desire to get more coal to market quicker, began to acquire railroad lines farther to the west and north or to the outside of the D&H Canal corridor to supplement the work of the canal. Eventually, however, moving coal by railroad car proved to be much more effective. Trains moved faster than canal boats, carried bigger loads, were cheaper to operate, and hauled coal year-round, while ice and snow forced the canal to close for three months every year. The railroad, which initially fed the canal, gradually consumed it.

Erected by Delaware & Hudson Canal Linear Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 41° 37.173′ N, 74°

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27.115′ W. Marker is near Summitville, New York, in Sullivan County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of U.S. 209 and Ferguson Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located along the canal trail near the Summitville trailhead of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Linear Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Summitville NY 12781, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. O&W & Summitville Station (within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Canal (approx. 0.8 miles away); Towpath (approx. 0.9 miles away); Boothroyd House (approx. 0.9 miles away); Life on the Canal (approx. 0.9 miles away); Locks (approx. 0.9 miles away); Waste Weirs (approx. 0.9 miles away); Canal Basin & Sluiceway (approx. one mile away).

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

Also see . . . The O&W Rail Trail. The Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal carried coal from Honesdale, Pennsylvania, to Kingston, New York, for the New York City and Albany markets from 1828 to 1898. The canal was shut down in favor of the New York, Ontario and Western Railway, more commonly known as the O&W (and nicknamed the Old and Weary), which was in use until the mid-20th century. A major carrier of anthracite coal, the O&W was also an important

Marker detail: In the distance, Ellenville sits nearby the canal and railroad image. Click for full size.

Collection of the Minisink Valley Historical Society

2. Marker detail: In the distance, Ellenville sits nearby the canal and railroad

Many instances of fights between canal and railroad workers occurred. Sometimes the railroad engineers blew their whistles when coming upon canal workers, sending driver and team hurtling into the canal's waters.

carrier of milk and dairy products, as well as urban tourists seeking the fresh air of resorts and farmhouse boarding. (Submitted on November 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Lackawanna No. 4 image. Click for full size.

Collection of the Minisink Valley Historical Society

3. Marker detail: Lackawanna No. 4

For thirty-seven years between 1862 and 1899, the Lackawanna No. 4 rode the rails of the D&H Railroad. Powered by the modern source of steam, she enabled the railroad to expand its coverage.

Marker detail: Line drawing of bridge strengthened by pilings placed in the abandoned canal bed image. Click for full size.

Illustration by Manville Wakefield from his book Coal Boats to Tidewater

4. Marker detail: Line drawing of bridge strengthened by pilings placed in the abandoned canal bed

The Canal & the Railroad Marker • <i>wide view<br>(D&H Canal Trail in background)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2019

5. The Canal & the Railroad Marker • wide view
(D&H Canal Trail in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.