Canal Power
Animal: The Engine of the Canal and the Farm
| | Wabash & Erie Canal Park Village | |
Animals For Towing Canal Boats
During a time before motorized power, canal boats were towed by horses or mules using heavy ropes of 100 feet or more. On the Wabash & Erie Canal towpath, one animal or more hitched in tandem, were led by a "Hoggee” or driver. He would sometimes ride the rear animal. Horses were used to tow passenger packet boats that moved along at 3 or more miles per hour. Packet companies erected relay srions such as the Mule Barn before you at 10 mile interval to relieve the animals. Freight boats moved more slowly and normally not on a time schedule. Mules were commonly used with freighters and relief animals were often carried in a stable on board the boat.
Animals For Building The Canal
Canal workers using shovels, picks and pry bars helped to dig
the Canal but without the brute force of animals it would have
been impossible to complete this monumental project. Oxen
dragged logs, moved large boulders, pulled stumps and hauled
wagon loads of rocks. Horses and mules pulled slip scoops,
stone boats and grader blades.
Animals For Farming
As early settlers moved into this
this page online
In addition to domestic animals, wild animals such as deer
provided meat and skin for clothing and bags. Beavers, mink
and bears provided skins for home use but also for a cash
crop on the open market.
Erected by Gruber & Hufty Family and Friends.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Wabash & Erie Canal series list.
Location. 40° 35.433′ N, 86° 40.883′ W. Marker is in Delphi, Indiana, in Carroll County. It can be reached from the intersection of West North
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Pull Me" Boat (here, next to this marker); Mule Barn (a few steps from this marker); The Itinerant Worker's Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Plants of the Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Interpretive Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Irish Canal Workers Cabin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bicentennial Garden (about 300 feet away); Lewis Thomas Jones (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Delphi.
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 577 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 25, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
