Maumee in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Side Cut Locks
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
1. Side Cut Locks Marker
The Side Cut section of the Miami and Erie Canal was completed in 1842 to provide a water connection from the canal down to the river at Maumee. It was two miles long with six limestone locks.
Canal locks acted like elevators to raise and lower canal boats by changing the water levels. When the large wooden gates were closed, an opening in each gate, called a wicket, allowed water to flow into the lock. When the water was high enough, a canal boat could float to a higher elevation.
The Maumee River was too shallow during the summer for the heavier river crafts traveling from Toledo, so in 1850 the Side Cut was abandoned.
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, and the Wabash & Erie Canal series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 41° 33.44′ N, 83° 40.328′ W. Marker was in Maumee, Ohio, in Lucas County. It could be reached from West River Road half a mile south of Ford Street. This historical marker is located at Side Cut Metropark, along the Canal Locks Trail, next to canal
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was on the Lake Erie Shore and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Locking in Commerce (here, next to this marker); Good Work Pays Off (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maumee City (about 400 feet away); Side Cut's Left Over Locks (about 500 feet away); Rotary International (1905-2005) / Maumee Rotary Centennial Pavilion Dedicated July 2, 2005 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ohio Historical Flood Marker (approx. 0.8 miles away); 215 W. John Street (approx. 0.9 miles away); American Faces (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maumee.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Great Depression (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Clay's Landing (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
2. Side Cut Locks Marker
View of historical marker in its location along the Canal Lock Trail, next to Canal Lock #3.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
3. Side Cut Locks
View looking north of the south end of Canal Lock #3.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
4. Side Cut Locks
View looking south of the waterway that flows south to lock #3 (which is seen in the background).
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
5. Side Cut Locks
View looking south of the north end of lock #3.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
6. Side Cut Locks
View looking south through the interior of lock #3, with a distant view of lock #4.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
7. Side Cut Locks
A more close-up view looking south of the interior of lock #3 with a better distant view of lock #4.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
8. Side Cut Locks
View looking south of the north end of lock #4.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
9. Side Cut Locks
Close-up view of the missing historical marker that was affixed to the north-west end of canal lock #4.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
10. Side Cut Locks
View looking north of the south end of canal lock #4.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
11. Side Cut Locks
View looking north of the south end of canal lock #2.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 5, 2010
12. Side Cut Locks
View looking south of canal lock #2.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, December 23, 2009
13. Side Cut Locks Marker
View looking north of canal lock #6 which opens up to the Maumee River beyond the lock. This canal lock, although part of the series of side cut locks, is located outside of Side Cut Metropark, further to the north, at N41.33.716 by W083.38.748, near the intersection of White Street and East Harrison Street.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, December 23, 2009
14. Side Cut Locks Marker
Close-up view looking north of canal lock #6 which opens up to the Maumee River beyond the lock. This canal lock, although part of the series of side cut locks, is located outside of Side Cut Metropark, further to the north, at N41.33.716 by W083.38.748, near the intersection of White Street and East Harrison Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,088 times since then and 77 times this year. Last updated on May 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on March 13, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
