Plainville in Hartford County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
The Farmington Canal 1828-1848
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, November 17, 2015
1. THE FARMINGTON CANAL 1828-1848 Marker
Inscription.
The Farmington Canal 1828-1848. . The “Long Level” section was the single most important factor in growth of Great Plain area of Farmington into Plainville.
Present center developed around Bristol Basin. Whiting’s Basin lay west of Farmington Avenue with a dry dock halfway between.
Dug entirely by hand and horse. Canal was 36 feet wide, 4 feet deep, with 10-foot towpath.
Boats approximately 85 feet long pulled by horses or mules included the locally owned “Ceres” and “ H. M. Welch”; also the “James Hillhouse” and “Gold Hunter”.
Advent of railroads, geographical and financial problems contributed to early demise of waterway running from New Haven to Massachusetts
The “Long Level” section was the single most important factor in growth of Great Plain area of Farmington into Plainville.
Present center developed around Bristol Basin. Whiting’s Basin lay west of Farmington Avenue with a dry dock halfway between.
Dug entirely by hand and horse. Canal was 36 feet wide, 4 feet deep, with 10-foot towpath.
Boats approximately 85 feet long pulled by horses or mules included the locally owned “Ceres” and
“ H. M. Welch”; also the “James Hillhouse” and “Gold Hunter”.
Advent of railroads, geographical and financial problems contributed to early demise of waterway running from New Haven to Massachusetts
Erected 1971 by Connecticut Historic Commission and the Plainville Historical Society, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 41° 39.683′ N, 72° 52.767′ W. Marker is in Plainville, Connecticut, in Hartford County. Marker is on Norton Park Road, 0.2 miles west of Route 177, on the right when traveling west. Norton Park Road is opposite 148 South Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Plainville CT 06062, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker
2. The marker is located 100 feet off Norton Park Road next to the Farmington Canal.
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, November 17, 2015
3. A canal packet boat on Plainville’s Seal illustrates the importance of the Canal Era to its past.
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, November 17, 2015
4. The 36 foot wide Farmington Canal in Norton Park has tow paths on both sides due to the Great Plain
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2015, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 586 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 22, 2015, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
