Near Randall in Montgomery County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Second Locking
The Erie Canal
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, June 11, 2024
1. The Second Locking Marker
All locks on the Erie Barge Canal had capstans such as these as part of their original early 20th-century equipment. Most have been removed, as their purpose is no longer as essential as it was a hundred years ago
Tugs with two or more barges in tow were then a common sight, with each barge nearly filling the lock chamber. As these fleets passed through the locks, the tug would initially pull one of the barges along with it through the lock chamber. Once on the other side, the tug was not able to assist with the remaining barge without relocking back through, a tedious and time-consuming effort.
Capstans at the locks allowed the barge hands to manually pull the remaining barges into the lock chamber. Ropes attached to the barge were wrapped around the spinning capstan. By carefully adjusting the tightness of the rope, the barge hand could pull the several thousand ton barge into the lock chamber with little effort.
[Photo Caption:] A capstan mounted on the chamber wall at Erie Canal Lock E-3 in Waterford, NY
Erected by Pathway Through History, I Luv NY.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 42° 54.973′ N, 74° 26.787′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Mohawk Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of the Buoy Boat (a few steps from this marker); Giving Sal a Rest (a few steps from this marker); Then and Now (a few steps from this marker); The Mohawk Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); Bollards (within shouting distance of this marker); Transportation is King / Modernization (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Mohawk Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Erie Canal (within shouting distance of this marker).
Also see . . . Nautical Capstan (Wikipedia). (Submitted on July 1, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, June 11, 2024
2. The Second Locking Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, June 11, 2024
3. The Second Locking Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, June 11, 2024
4. The Second Locking Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 1, 2024, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.
