Metamora in Franklin County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Ben Franklin
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
1. The Ben Franklin Marker
Imagine traveling on a passenger boat back then
The boat traveled around 4 miles an hour.
Tickets cost about 4 cents a mile, including meals and a slim wooden berth for sleeping.
Passengers sat on the roof and passed the time playing games and music or watching the scenery.
Everyone on board used the same towel at the ship's one sink.
The First Boats Traveled the Canal in 1839
In June 1839, the original Ben Franklin arrived in Brookville from Lawrenceburg and the town celebrated. But construction delays kept boats from Metamora until 1843, when the Native docked in town.
"When the Cincinnati packet came round the bend, Captain Windsor would toot his copper bugle. Metamora residents dropped whatever they were doing to rush to the wharf and welcome the crew and passengers. When the mail and freight were loaded, a shrill her sounded and passengers came back aboard."
Nick Williams, a Metamora resident during canal heydey
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1839.
Location. 39° 26.804′ N, 85° 8.009′ W. Marker is in Metamora, Indiana, in Franklin County. It is on Main Street
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Faulkner-Pierce Drug Store (a few steps from this marker); Old Cobbler's Shop (a few steps from this marker); Animals Power the Canal Boat (a few steps from this marker); The Confectionary (within shouting distance of this marker); Martindale Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); Van Camp's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Metamora Masonic Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metamora.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
2. The Ben Franklin Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
3. Whitewater Canal
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
4. The Ben Franklin
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
5. The Ben Franklin
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 12, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
