Providence Township near Grand Rapids in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Next Stop: Backruptcy!
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 16, 2019
1. Next Stop - Backruptcy! Marker
Railroads signaled changing times for the canals, making them obsolete before they were even finished.
Only five years after the first spadesful of dirt on the Miami and Erie Canal had been dug, trains were already rolling into Ohio.
In 1839, travel on this section of the Miami and Erie Canal cost passengers 3-6 cents a mile at a pace of 4 mph. Moving at 30 mph, trains left the canals behind.
This bridge, built in 1876, operated alongside the canal for over 40 years.
[Sidebar:]
The Miami and Erie Canal
Fares: 3-6 cents per mile
The Miami and Erie Canal was 249 miles long
Stops included:
• Texas, Ohio (1 hour trip)
• Napoleon, Ohio (3 hours)
• Cincinnati, Ohio (5 days)
Canal boats only operated from first thaw to first freeze, making it hard to compete with trains running year-round.
Erected by Toledo Area MetroParks.
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 The Miami & Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 41° 24.925′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Dam With A View (a few steps from this marker); Issac Ludwig Historic Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Power: Turbines and Races (within shouting distance of this marker); Tough Times On The Towpath (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Whalers And Wickets Of Lock 44 (about 300 feet away); The Towpath Trail (about 400 feet away); The Oberle Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Through The Eyes Of An Artist (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 16, 2019
2. Next Stop - Backruptcy! Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
