The Depot
Restored Depot located across from Canal Lock
— Wabash & Erie Canal Park Village —
A New Home For The Depot
This restored train depot was originally used by the Erie Line in Leiters Ford, Indiana. Built in the 1880s it symbolized a new mode of competition for canal travel. By the 1860s the Canal fell into decline loosing ground to the faster railroads. The more luxurious trains were designed to carry large numbers of passengers as well as commercial products and agricultural produce. They ran all year round and were not deterred by darkness or changes in weather.
As the carial boat "The Delphi" moves out of view we are reminded that this trainmaster's office, once a busy hub of activity, presents a peaceful setting in which to view the contrast between the canal era and its replacement by the railroad of mid and late 19th century America.
The depot was disassembled by a crew of Amish workers led by Amos Bontrager. The MWF (Monday-Wednesday- Friday) canal crew moved and re-assembled the depot with the help of Dick Bradshaw and his crane truck.
A NCHS grant administered by TAF made this project possible.
Brice Crowel, Vern Cripe, Al Auffart and Clay Sledd stand in front of the depot after a winter tour in Leiters Ford before the move to Canal Park.
An Amish crew loads panels onto a trailer as the depot is disassembled and readied for
this page online
Rails placed next to the depot give visitors an authentic feel for the 1880s building and its place in the busy era of the railroad.
Eddie Graves handles a case on the express railroad
cart which was commonly used for moving traveler's
baggage and commercial products from the train to
the depot.
Erected by Tippecanoe Arts Federation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wabash & Erie Canal series list.
Location. 40° 35.317′ N, 86° 40.983′ W. Marker is in Delphi, Indiana, in Carroll County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West North Washington Street and North Charles Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the Grounds of the Wabash & Erie Canal Conference & Interpretive Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12252 West North Washington Street, Delphi IN 46923, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Post Office At Sleeth (within shouting distance of this marker); Sleeth Post Office was at McCoy's Station on the Monon R.R. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guard Lock (within
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 25, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
