Miami-Erie Canal
Lock 15
— Miami-Erie Canal —
From 1845 to about 1906 barges pulled by horses provided transportation from the Ohio river to Lake Erie through a system of locks which raised or lowered boats to the next level of the canal.
Locks often became sites of towns. Beginning with a tender's house, followed by a stable, tavern and mill.
The canal was hand-dug to a minimum width of 26' at the bottom and 40' at the waterline.
The first boat to Toledo left Cincinnati June 27, 1845. With the trip taking 4 days and 5 nights at a cost of 5 cents per passenger mile.
After railroads caused canal importance to decline, the
locks were abandoned.
Erected by Spencerville Chamber of Commerce.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Miami & Erie Canal series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 27, 1845.
Location. 40° 42.333′ N, 84° 21.35′ W. Marker is in Spencerville, Ohio, in Allen County. Marker is on S. Canal Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spencerville OH 45887, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Miami – Erie Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowersock Bros. Post No. 6772 Veterans Memorial
this page online
Also see . . . Miami & Erie Canal Lock 15. (Submitted on February 8, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 8, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
