Colgate Center in Jersey City in Hudson County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Morris Canal
New Jersey's Mountain-Climbing Waterway
— 1824 - 1924 —
In 1822 George P McCulloh, a Morristown businessman conceived the idea for the Morris Canal.
The canal would cross the State of New Jersey from the Hudson River at Jersey City to the Delaware River at Phillipsburg.
Rising a total of 914 feet through a series of locks and inclined planes, the canal would span a distance of 102 miles.
To achieve the severe elevation changes, a series of 23 "water powered" inclined planes were used.
In 1845, section boats were added to the increase tonnage capacity.
Stories were told of its use as a part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War era. The sculpture portrays a slave family escaping across the State of New Jersey.
Erected 1999 by William Dean Kilpatrick, sculptor; commissioned by NJ Transit, with funds made possible by the Federal Transit Administration.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Morris Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 40° 42.764′ N, 74° 2.094′ W. Marker is in Jersey City, New Jersey, in Hudson County. It is in Colgate Center.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. How Is Jersey City the Gateway to Ellis Island? (within shouting distance of this marker); General Nathanael Greene Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); How Did the Colgate Clock Get Here? (about 400 feet away); What Is This Small Body of Water? (about 400 feet away); The Historic Trilogy (about 600 feet away); The Morris Canal Big Basin (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Morris Canal Little Basin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Korean War Veterans of Hudson County (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jersey City.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2024
2. The Morris Canal Marker
An identical interpretive plaque is affixed to the other side of the sculpture base.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 14, 2024
3. Dedication plaque on the front of the sculpture base.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 60 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 15, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
