The Welland Canal. . In 1833, four years after it had been opened, the Welland Canal was extended to Gravelly Bay to provide a more direct route between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The first ship to transit this extension was the schooner “Matilda” of Oakville. Its passage upbound through the canal in June 1833 marked the opening of Port Colborne to Great Lakes shipping. Since that time many changes have been made to the Welland Canal to accommodate larger ships and increased traffic. Four different channels have passed near this spot, the last being the present operating canal. The lock chambers and channels of the second and third canals and the early commercial buildings along West Street remain as reminders of Port Colborne's important role in the development of Great Lakes shipping. ,
Erected by the Rotary Club of Port Colborne with the assistance of the Ministry of , Citizenship and Culture in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the , City of Port Colborne as a lakeport (1833-1983).
In 1833, four years after it had been opened, the Welland Canal was extended to Gravelly Bay to provide a more direct route between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The first ship to transit this extension was the schooner “Matilda” of Oakville. Its passage upbound through the canal in June 1833 marked the opening of Port Colborne to Great Lakes shipping. Since that time many changes have been made to the Welland Canal to accommodate larger ships and increased traffic. Four different channels have passed near this spot, the last being the present operating canal. The lock chambers and channels of the second and third canals and the early commercial buildings along West Street remain as reminders of Port Colborne's important role in the development of Great Lakes shipping.
Erected by the Rotary Club of Port Colborne with the assistance of the Ministry of
Citizenship and Culture in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the
City of Port Colborne as a lakeport (1833-1983)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1833.
Location. 42° 53.194′ N, 79° 14.989′ W. Marker is in Port Colborne, Ontario
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, in Niagara Region. Marker is at the intersection of West Street and Clarence Street, on the right when traveling north on West Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 258 West St, Port Colborne ON L3K L3K, Canada. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 6 times this year. Photo1. submitted on April 23, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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