Reading in Berks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Jackson's Lock and the Port of Reading
Port of Reading Heritage Trail
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 28, 2020
1. Jackson's Lock and the Port of Reading Marker
The Junction between the Schuylkill Navigation System and the Union Canal
Jackson's Lock was Number 84 of the 120 original locks along the Schuylkill Navigation System. The Schuylkill Navigation System, created by the Schuylkill Navigation Company, was a 108-mile long system of canals, locks, and slackwater (river) to enable the transportation of goods and people down and up the Schuylkill River, from Port Carbon to Philadelphia.
Following improvements in the 1850s…
the number of locks was reduced, making Jackson's Lock number 48, the southern entrance to the Port of Reading. Boats traveling northbound along the Schuylkill River would pass through Jackson's Lock and into the Reading Canal. Frequently locks became known by the name of their tender however, Lock 48 was referred to as Jackson's Lock for the nearby merchants and industrialists, Thomas and Edward Jackson who arrived in the Reading area in 1829.
Erected by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Schuylkill River Heritage Area Grant Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James H. Maurer (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Jackson’s Lock and the Port of Reading (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dead Have No Rights (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hunter Liggett (approx. half a mile away); Doctor Jonathan Potts (approx. ¾ mile away); Dr. Bodo Otto (approx. ¾ mile away); Henry A. Muhlenberg (approx. ¾ mile away); Woman's Christian Temperance Union Drinking Fountain (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reading.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 28, 2020
2. Discover the Schuylkill River Heritage Area sign
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 28, 2020
3. Neversink Trail side of the marker
Unfortunately, this panel has been defaced.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 28, 2020
4. Jackson's Lock and the Port of Reading Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
