Jackson’s Lock and the Port of Reading
One of the Original 120 Locks Creating the Schuylkill Navigation System
The Port of Reading was one of a number of major inland port towns located along the navigable waterways in Pennsylvania. It was at Reading that the Union Canal joined with the Schuylkill Navigation System. The Union Canal extended along the Tulpehocken Creek, connecting the interior of Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River with the Schuylkill River, the main route to Philadelphia. A vessel traveling south toward Philadelphia along the Union Canal would have entered into the Schuylkill River at Reading, crossed over to the Schuylkill Canal and proceeded south through the Schuylkill Navigation System. A vessel traveling north bound for the Susquehanna would have done the opposite.
Worker’s Memorial
Designed by William Hildebrand of John A. Roebling Son’s Co. of Trenton, New Jersey, this footbridge was constructed between 1886 and 1887 and provided a safe pedestrian route spanning the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad lines at the Outer Station in North Reading. The bridge was dismantled in 1983, and one of the two steel support towers was relocated here to Heritage Park, where today it serves as the Workers Memorial tower.
[Captions:]
Model of Jackson’s Lock
Built by Glenn Weinrich, Housed at the River Place Development Corporation-Photographed by Bob Behling.
Captain
John Heister’s excursion boats “Rosa” and “Currie” above Jackson’s Lock
Historical Society of Berks County
View from Penn Street Bridge looking north, Reading Canal foreground. Leinbach’s Hill at left, Lebanon Valley Railroad at center. C. Late 1800s.
Erected by Port of Reading Heritage Trail.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Union Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 40° 19.444′ N, 75° 55.585′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Reading, Pennsylvania, in Berks County. Marker is on Canal Street. The marker is located in Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Reading PA 19602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Jackson's Lock and the Port of Reading (within shouting distance of this marker); James H. Maurer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dead Have No Rights (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hunter Liggett (approx. 0.6 miles away); Doctor Jonathan Potts (approx. 0.8 miles away); Dr. Bodo Otto
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 593 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 18, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on June 18, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.