Watts Township near Duncannon in Perry County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Pennsylvania Canal

Susquehanna Division

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

1. Pennsylvania Canal Marker

Inscription. Built 1823-31; operated until 1901. It extended from Duncan's Island to Northumberland. In its 41-mile course, the Division embraced 13 locks, 7 aqueducts, old Shamokin Dam, and West Branch Towpath Bridge. Traces of the Canal can be seen at points along this road.

Erected 1952 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Canal, and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 40° 25.913′ N, 77° 0.053′ W. Marker is near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, in Perry County. It is in Watts Township. It is on U.S. 11/15, on the right when traveling north. Located at the entrance to Haldeman Island Wildlife Management Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Halifax PA 17032, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, in the Susquehanna Valley,

and in Greater Harrisburg.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Pennsylvania Canal (approx. 0.6 miles away); Clark's Ferry Bridge Company (approx. 2.1 miles away); The 7 Clarks Ferry Bridges (approx. 2.2 miles away); Crossings of the Juniata River (approx. 2.2 miles away);

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

The Junction of four Canal Branches (approx. 2.2 miles away); New Buffalo (approx. 2.2 miles away); The John Schaffer Tavern and Inn (approx. 2.2 miles away); a different marker also named Pennsylvania Canal (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Duncannon.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

2. Pennsylvania Canal Marker

Entrance to the Wildlife Management Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

3. Entrance to the Wildlife Management Area

A low ditch to the left of the road, in the tree line here, likely is a portion of the old canal.

Bridge to Haldeman Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

4. Bridge to Haldeman Island

A one lane bridge, closed to traffic normally, connects Haldeman Island.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,594 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 6, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.