Attica in Fountain County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
1846 Canal Skirmish
Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 12, 2026
1. 1846 Canal Skirmish Marker
Construction began on the Wabash and Erie Canal in 1832 to connect Lake Erie to the Ohio River, making travel and trade easier and cheaper. Towns along the route prospered as increased commerce fostered urban and agricultural growth. By 1846, the canal was completed through Covington, but the water stopped just north at Attica because of a leak and sparse rainfall.
Covington leaders demanded Attica open Lock 35, release the water, and share the economic benefits of canal access. In September 1846, armed Covington men marched on Attica and forced open the lock after a violent skirmish, but the water soaked into the ground and stranded commercial boats. Heavy rains allowed boats to reach Covington in November, resolving the conflict.
Erected 2023 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Historic Landmarks of Fountain County. (Marker Number 23.2023.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Notable Events • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the Wabash & Erie Canal series
this page online
Location. 40° 17.554′ N, 87° 15.19′ W. Marker is in Attica, Indiana, in Fountain County. It is on West Washington Street east of South Market Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 S Market St, Attica IN 47918, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and in the Wabash Valley. It is also 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: Attica & Covington Canal Skirmish (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of (about 600 feet away); Atticas Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Spirit of the American Doughboy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Italianate Style House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Devon Theater (approx. 0.2 miles away);
Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 12, 2026
2. 1846 Canal Skirmish Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 12, 2026
3. 1846 Canal Skirmish Marker
Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 12, 2026
4. 1846 Canal Skirmish Marker
Old canal footprint and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2026, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2026, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
