Canal Milepost
The Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Canal was completed to Huntingdon in 1830, and regular shipping to and from this point got underway in the Spring of 1831. The canal ran beside the river, on the right-of-way now occupied by the railroad. A wharf at the foot of Third Street was used for loading and unloading cargo and passengers.
The canal was a public works project of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and proved a boon to commerce by providing a relatively fast and convenient transportation route across the State. But the high cost of its construction and maintenance prevented its ever being a money-maker for its owner. As early as 1844, the State offered to sell the canal for $20 million. There were no buyers until 1857, when the Pennsylvania Railroad negotiated better terms—buying the canal system for $7.5 million.
Mileposts lines the canal right-of-way. Most were overgrown or overwise lost, but some were removed to other locations in order to preserve them.
Erected by Huntingdon County Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars
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Location. 40° 29.037′ N, 78° 0.647′ W. Marker is in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, in Huntingdon County. Marker is on South 4th Street just north of Allegheny Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 S 4th St, Huntingdon PA 16652, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William E. and Margaret Whittaker McMurtrie (here, next to this marker); The Little House (here, next to this marker); 100 South 4th Street (a few steps from this marker); Pennsylvania Railroad Artifacts (a few steps from this marker); 107 South 4th Street (a few steps from this marker); 113 South 4th Street (a few steps from this marker); 401 Allegheny Street (within shouting distance of this marker); McMurtrie Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntingdon.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
