Lockport in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Rope Marks in Iron Railings

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 6, 2021

1. Rope Marks in Iron Railings Marker

Inscription. Locktenders guided thousands of boats through the locks every year. They controlled the boat's position partly by dragging the rope over the railings. In time this resulted in deep grooves along the top of the railings.

Erected by New York Canals.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 43° 10.254′ N, 78° 41.6′ W. Marker is in Lockport, New York, in Niagara County. Marker can be reached from Canal Street near Ontario Street. Marker may be accessed by a staircase from Canal Street to the Erie Canal Heritage Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lockport NY 14094, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Fittings (a few steps from this marker); Lock Tenders Tribute (a few steps from this marker); Upper Locks View (a few steps from this marker); Life on the Barges (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Locks West (within shouting distance of this marker); Oak Wood Lock Flooring (within shouting distance of this marker); Lock Construction

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Lock 71 Forebay (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lockport.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 6, 2021

2. Rope Marks in Iron Railings Marker

Eastbound view showing some of the "Flight of Five" 1842 westbound locks. Pine Street Bridge overhead. Erie Canal Heritage Trail at left.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 6, 2021

3. Rope Marks in Iron Railings Marker

Identical marker, next staircase east.

Rope Marks in Iron Railings image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, August 6, 2021

4. Rope Marks in Iron Railings

Seems the railings have been subsequently topped, but the rope marks are still seen in the sides of the top rails.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2021, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 6, 2021, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.