Near Metamora in Franklin County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
The canal extended 68 miles from Lawrenceburg to Cambridge City, with an eight-mile extension north to Hagerstown and a 25-mile extension to Cincinnati.
Although canal traffic flourished for several years, the project proved to be a financial disaster for the state of Indiana. The costs incurred in the construction of the 56 locks and seven feeder dams required to maintain the canal totaled over one million dollars.
The advent and development of the railroad during the early 1860s marked the demise of the Whitewater Canal and the canal era in Indiana.
In 1946, the State of Indiana began the process of reclaiming and restoring a 14-mile section of the original canal.
Erected by Whitewater Canal State Historic Site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 39° 26.807′ N, 85° 7.477′ W. Marker is near Metamora, Indiana, in Franklin County. Marker is on U.S. 52, 0.4 miles east of McGuire Ridge Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Metamora IN 47030, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Locking Thru Lock No. 24 (a few steps from this marker); Whitewater Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); Metamora to Twin Locks: along the trail (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Duck Creek Aqueduct (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Whitewater Canal State Historic Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); Metamora Christian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stable (approx. half a mile away); Old Faulkner-Pierce Drug Store (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metamora.
Also see . . . Whitewater Canal - Water Wheels and Canal Boats. From the Indiana State Museum website. (Submitted on July 19, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.