Dartmouth in Halifax Region, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Benching - An early construction technique
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 15, 2014
1. Benching - An early construction technique Marker
Captions: (insert on the left) Original design for stop gates at Port Wallace, 1829, by Francis Hall.; (insert on the right) In this model of the stop gate you can see the two swing beams mounted on the top of the two gates which can be pushed open to allow a barge or vessel to pass or closed to maintain the level of Lake Charles.
As you look down the Cut you will see, on the left or East bank, stone walls separated by narrow, flat terraces. This construction technique was used by the canal workers to prevent the earth from sliding down the bank. It was obviously an efficient construction method as the sides of the canal cut remain almost intact two centuries later.
Stop Gates
If you look below and on either side of the channel you will see large cut stones which are the remains of a mitred stop gate used to maintain the level of Lake Charles an to allow the Cut to be drained to work on Locks 2 and 3.
Control of the water level of Lake Charles was vital to the operation of the canal as this lake is the summit of the waterway.
Erected by Shubenacadie Canal Commission. (Marker Number 16.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 44° 42.494′ N, 63° 33.257′ W. Marker is in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, in Halifax Region. Marker can be reached from Lock Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 54 Lock Road, Dartmouth NS B2X, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Summit of the Canal (here, next to this marker); Shubenacadie Canal, Port Wallace
this page online
More about this marker. This marker is located mid-span on the bridge at the north end of the canal.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 15, 2014
2. Benching - An early construction technique Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 15, 2014
3. Benching
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 427 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
