Near Brecksville in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ohio & Erie Canalway
110 Miles, Endless Possibilities
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022
1. Ohio & Erie Canalway Marker
The Ohio & Erie Canalway celebrates the first 110 miles of a waterway that helped the nation grow.
Dug by hand from 1825 to 1832, the Ohio & Erie Canal was the first canal west of the Appalachian Mountains. It connected Lake Erie to the Ohio River, providing a key link in an interstate shipping route.
People and products flowed across America. Canal towns became major commercial centers. Ohio grew in population and wealth.
Today, you can explore he lasting impact of this historic public works project. Travel along the Canalway’s three spines (see sidebar). Discover how culture, recreation, and natural beauty are being revitalized by this national heritage area.
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Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The railroad offers scenic tours, events, programs, and bike-train combination trips between Independence and Akron.
Towpath Trail. In the 1800s, mules walked this path to pull canal boats. Today, you can run, hike, cross-country ski, and bike from Cleveland south to Tuscarawas County.
America’s Byway. Take a scenic driver along this 110-mile nationally designated route. Follow the signs through historic communities with canal-era roots.
Usually powered by three mules, canal boats traveled at four miles per hour. This was “rapid transit”
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio and Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 41° 19.134′ N, 81° 35.259′ W. Marker is near Brecksville, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. Marker can be reached from Valley Parkway east of Riverview Road, on the left when traveling east. The marker is on the grounds of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7160 Towpath Rd, Brecksville OH 44141, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Restoring the Cuyahoga River (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (a few steps from this marker); Ride the Rails (within shouting distance of this marker); A Travel Guide for the Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lure of the Countryside (within shouting distance of this marker); Pinery Narrows (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring The River (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lock 36 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brecksville.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022
2. Ohio & Erie Canalway Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on May 29, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
