Locking in Commerce
Before super highways, Ohio had the Miami and Erie Canal. Running from Toledo to Cincinnati, it included 106 locks which allowed canal boats to move through many elevation changes. The first six of these locks were built for the bustling city of Maumee. Three of the six can still be seen today at Side Cut Metropark.
At Providence Metropark, visitors can even ride a replica canal boat through a working lock on the Miami and Erie Canal.
Locks work by locking' the canal boat snugly in between four massive whaler gates and then working the smaller wickets on those gates to cause gradual changes in water level.
[Sidebar:]
Did You Know?
During the 1840s, the
Miami and Erie canal locks
allowed boats to navigate
over 800 feet of elevation
changes Ohio's not as
flat as it seems!
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.
Location. 41° 33.44′ N, 83° 40.324′ W. Marker is in Maumee, Ohio, in Lucas County. Marker is on North River Road, 0.6 miles west of Mohawk Place, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Good Work Pays Off (within shouting distance of this marker); Maumee City (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 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); Treaty of Greenville (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maumee.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
