Downtown in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Panama Canal Mule No. 686

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2021

1. Panama Canal Mule No. 686 Marker

Inscription. This rare piece of transportation memorabilia, built by General Electric in 1914, pulled ships through the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Lock stations of the Panama Canal. No. 686 was powered by three-phase, 220-volt, 25-cycle motors geared directly to traction equipment. Operating on rails paralleling the canal, No. 686 exerted 25,000 lbs. of towing force. With dual controls it could be operated from either end. At one time there were more than 100 canal mules in operation. No. 686 was retired in 1964 and brought to the museum in 1972 by Roanoke Chapter NRHS.

Erected by Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 37° 16.393′ N, 79° 56.853′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from Norfolk Avenue Southwest west of 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke VA 24016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mead Corporation Industrial Locomotive #200 (a few steps from this marker); Virginian Railway Class C-10 Caboose #321 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1936 F-20 McCormick Deering Farmall Tractor

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Celanese Porter Fireless #1 (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitcomb 30DM31 Diesel Switcher (within shouting distance of this marker); Mining Train (within shouting distance of this marker); Amoco Oil ARA III Tank Car AMOX #9465 (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginian Class SA #4 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 24, 2021

2. Panama Canal Mule No. 686 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.