Providence Township near Grand Rapids in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built
Rising Water and Rising Tempers
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 4, 2018
1. Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built Marker
Legend has it that construction wasn't easy. All towns wanted the canal because it brought them prosperity. The townsfolk living across the river in Gilead (Grand Rapids) were so angry that their town was not on the canal route that they would sneak out at night and blow up any construction. Finally, Ohio built a side cut, or extension of the canal, to extend commerce to Gilead's side of the river as well.
Originally built from timber in the 1830s, this roller mill dam raised and maintained water levels for the Miami and Erie Canal at the village of Providence. Roller mill dams also helped control bank erosion, a serious threat to the canals. The Providence Dam was reinforced with concrete in 1908 and again in 1991. Measuring 1,888 feet long and 8 feet, 5 inches tall, the dam is an impressive display of workmanship.
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 year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 41° 25.01′ N, 83° 52.208′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, 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 Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Water's Ways: Flood And Ice (a few steps from this marker); Foundations From The Past (a few steps from this marker); The Towpath Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Providence Historical District (approx. 0.2 miles away);
Photographed by Craig Doda, April 13, 2022
2. Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built Marker
Additional keywords. sabotage
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 24, 2024
3. Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built Marker
This marker is the one closest to the river.
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 24, 2024
4. Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built Marker left image
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 24, 2024
5. Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built Marker middle image
Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 24, 2024
6. Tempers Explode As Dams Get Built Marker right image
The rolling action created by the dam looks gentle, but it also traps debris and can be treacherous.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 653 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2. submitted on April 14, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 3, 2024, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
