Marker Logo HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Lockport in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Upson Park

 
 
Upson Park Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
1. Upson Park Marker
Inscription. The Raceway Tunnel was invented by Birdsell Holly. Blasting for the tunnel began in 1858. Construction of the 2,430 foot tunnel took 18 months. The tunnel contains old gates and ruins of buildings from the beginning of the Industrial Age. The cave features stalactites, flowstone and other geological formations.

These dramatic and picturesque ruins are the remains of the Lockport Pulp Mill. Wheels at the mill were powered by an underground raceway constructed through solid rock from the upper level of the canal locks s by the Lockport Hydraulic Race Company. Note the large penstock and dual raceway outlets which emerge from the cliffs, as well as numerous scattered millstones.

Looking West - to the Railroad Bridge
The Lockport Niagara Falls Railroad was incorporated in 1824. The 29 mile length of the line was completed in 1838 at a cost of $4,110,000.
The Rochester Lockport Niagara Falls Railroad extended the line to Rochester, an additional 76 miles of track costing $2,343,383. It was completed on July 1st 1852.

Sidebar on the right
Lyman Spalding (1800-1885) was a early merchant in Lockport. He acquired large tracts of land and established a flour mill and sawmill. His flour mill was the first to use canal water for power in Niagara County. His failure to purchase the water rights
Paid Advertisement
Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.
Click or scan to see
this page online
to the surplus canal water caused him serious financial difficulties. He was also a Quaker and an abolitionist involved in the Underground Railroad Movement.
 
Erected by New York State Canals. (Marker Number 14.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & CommerceWaterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1852.
 
Location. 43° 10.209′ N, 78° 41.638′ W. Marker is in Lockport, New York, in Niagara County. Marker is on Canal Street near Pine Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lockport NY 14094, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tour Boat Then & Now (a few steps from this marker); Lower Lock Construction (a few steps from this marker); “Lockport Flight of Five” (within shouting distance of this marker); Hydraulic Race Control Gates (within shouting distance of this marker); Big Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Lock 71 Forebay (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The “Big Bridge” (within shouting distance of this marker); Canal Comparisons (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lockport.
 
More about this
Upson Park Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
2. Upson Park Marker
marker.
This marker is on the concrete island next to Locks 34 & 35.

The marker appear to have been relocated as the subjects of the plaque are not visible from its current location.
 
Upson Park Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
3. Upson Park Marker
Upson Park is on the left and the railroad bridge in the distance. The plaque in this image is NOT the Upton Park Marker.
Railroad bridge over the New York Barge Canal image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 2, 2014
4. Railroad bridge over the New York Barge Canal
Looking towards Lockport.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

Share this page.  
Share on Tumblr
m=76936

CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisements
Mar. 18, 2024