Near New Haven in Allen County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Gronauer Lock No. 2
Wabash and Erie Canal lock was discovered here June 1991 during excavation for highway construction. It was built 1838–1840 by Henry Lotz and named for lock keeper Joseph Gronauer. The rare, well-preserved timber-frame design lock measured 115 by 40 feet; lock chamber was 90 by 15 feet; two-thirds of the total structure was excavated and removed.
Numerous artifacts and 750 pieces of timber were recovered. After extensive preservation treatment, approximately 5 percent of total lock structure is included in a Indiana State Museum Exhibit. Wabash and Erie Canal, America’s longest at approximately 460 miles, linked Lake Erie at Toledo, Ohio with Ohio River at Evansville 1853.
Erected 2003 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Canal Society of Indiana and New Haven Kiwanis. (Marker Number 02.2003.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the Wabash & Erie Canal series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1991.
Location. 41° 5.143′ N, 84° 59.407′ W. Marker is near New Haven, Indiana, in Allen County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 24 and Harper Road, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 24. The marker is just east of I-469 (exit 21) on US 24. It is at the 1st intersection east of the exit. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Haven IN 46774, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kim Linker (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Wabash & Erie Canal (approx. 1.7 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); In Greatful Recognition Of Valor (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Lincoln Highway (approx. 1.8 miles away); Arthur R. Smith (approx. 6.1 miles away); Operation MP-125 Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.1 miles away); Olen J. Pond Memorial (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Haven.
Also see . . . Indiana Historical Bureau (IHB). The IHB provides reference notes on the text of this marker. (Submitted on February 6, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,874 times since then and 78 times this year. Last updated on September 14, 2007, by Mike Brenton of New Haven, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2007, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. 4. submitted on November 19, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.