Travel Backin TimeTravel Backin Time

Discover Ohio’s Miami and Erie CanalDiscover Ohio’s Miami and Erie Canal

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Once upon a time in Ohio – when

the land was still covered with

forests, swamps, and prairies –

bumpy, muddy, and barely cleared roads

made travel difficult and slow.

But then, in the early 1800s, Ohio’s

two great canals were built – an

engineering and construction feat of

amazing proportions. The “big ditches”

revolutionized transportation and

became the driving force behind the

state’s expansion and prosperity.

In the east, the Ohio and Erie Canal

extended from Portsmouth to Cleveland.

In the west, the Miami and Erie Canal

connected the western interior of Ohio

with Cincinnati and Toledo.

Miami and Erie Canal

Heritage CorridorThis guide is made possible through the joint effort of the

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water

and the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association.

DIVISION OF WATER

Ohio Department of Natural ResourcesDIVISION OF WATER

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A brief history of

Canals in OhioThe Miami and Erie Canal was built

in sections. Construction of the first legfrom Middletown to Cincinnati beganon July 25, 1825. Additional segmentswere parceled out to contractors until1845 when the entire canal was open to traffic.

Most of the labor on the canal wasprovided by German, Irish, and Frenchimmigrants, who were paid 31 cents aday and a jigger of whiskey. Theyworked through all kinds of weather

and illnesses, including malaria. Manyof these workers settled down in thesmall towns that sprang up next to thecanal they helped build.

The peak year for the canal opera-tions was 1851, with revenues inexcess of $350,000 and approximately400 boats in operation. Shortly there-after, in the 1850s and 1860s, the railroads came through, greatly reduc-ing the commercial value of the canals.However, some limited use continued

on segments through the early 1900sand even today.

Fortunately, the romance of Ohio'scanal days and the history of thosebustling years live on. Enjoy thisguidebook and visit the historic com-munities that are the legacy of theMiami and Erie Canal, as you travelback in time.

This massive sesquicentennial quilt can beviewed in the Delphos Historical Museum.

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DELPHOS

Delphos, named after the Greek word“adelphos” meaning brother, was founded in1844 on the southern edge of the Great BlackSwamp. In spite of fighting malaria from theswamp, the town grew rapidly. The MuseumCenter offers a visit to the past. Inside, theDelphos Historical Museum showcases memora-bilia including the beautiful Sesquicentennial Quilt.The Delphos Canal Commission collection, also dis-played here, includes remnants from the canal boat,Marguerite. The original Marguerite was builtaround 1850. It caught fire and sank in the canal atDelphos in the early 1900s. In 1987, the side rails,bottom ribs, and keel were discovered when thecanal was drained for repair work.

Original tin bathtub from the Marguerite

Dining onboard theMarguerite

Featured in the Delphos CanalMuseum is a large model ofthe Marguerite.

Remnants ofthe Margueritecanal boat

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Lock 24 North and close up of hydraulic gate used to control water elevation.

Mural painted in 1994 on Delphos Herald newspaper building.

Original Lock 23 NorthLock 23 North

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The woods providesbird watchers withover 85 species tostudy, includinghawks and owls.

Kendrick Woods Metro Park andState Nature Preserve

Delphos was located in the midst of adense forest. Settlers, who complainedthey “could only see out by lookingstraight up,” made it their goal to remove“the forest from the face of the earth.” By1854, the forests had been cleared, and thetimber had become a source of wealth.Within a five-mile radius of Delphos, 35saw mills were constantly cutting andpreparing lumber.

After the thick forests had been cut, afew pockets remained — Kendrick Woodsis an outstanding example. The preservefeatures old white oaks, 55 other kinds oftrees and shrubs, and 85 species of birds.Old-growth forest mixed with wetland andprairie habitat covers a majority of the300-acre park.

Kendrick Woods is owned andmaintained by the Johnny AppleseedMetropolitan Park District. Call for information on interpretive nature programs. (see back cover for phone number)

Visitors can enjoy hiking,fishing or picnicking.

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SPENCERVILLE

In 1843, a trading post was established when thecanal was being constructed through the area. Ayear later, a village was incorporated as Spencer.The first canal boat arrived in 1845. The villagewas officially named Spencerville in 1867. Thelast canal boat shipped through in 1906.

Six Mile Aqueduct

This unique bilevel structurewas built in the 1840s tocarry the Miami and ErieCanal over Six Mile Creek.

Deep Cut

Located on the southern edge ofSpencerville, DeepCut is a continuousditch from five- to 50-feet deep. It wasblasted through the6,600-feet blue-clayridge that separatesthe Auglaize RiverValley from the St. Marys watershed.

towpath

Six Mile Creek

canal

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Lock 14 North Originally wooden, this lock wasconverted to concrete in 1907. The 2003 renovationincludes a pedestrian bridge and parking lot.

Bloody Bridge

A granite monument, erected by the Auglaize CountyHistorical Society, recounts the story of an 1850s tragedy.Two men who worked on canal boats were interested in the same young lady. When she chose Jack, Bill wascrazy with jealousy and ambushed them at the bridge.

40-Acre Pond

During construction of thecanal, 40-Acre Pond was created as a result of thecanal crossing the St. MarysRiver floodplain. The pond is a popular site today forhorseback riding, fishing,canoeing, hiking, and nature-watching.

40-Acre Pond

Riders on the path around 40-Acre Pond

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The Tumbles

North of High Street in St. Marys thereare actually two canals. The upperlevel was once the site of a large mill,which used the water to turn its grind-ing stones. This level now carrieswater to the power plant, as excesswater falls over a quaint little spillwaycalled “The Tumbles”. The lower levelwas for canal boat traffic.

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The 40-mile Miami and Erie Canal TowpathTrail runs from Delphos to Ft. Loramiealong the old canal towpath.

The Towpath Trail in Allen, VanWert,Auglaize, Shelby and Miami counties is part of two other major trail systems, theBuckeye Trail and the North CountryNational Scenic Trail.

lower level

upper levelupper level

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A full-scale replica of a 19th century canal boat,the Belle of St. Marys, is docked at Memorial Park.The boat was built and is maintained by the city of St. Marys. The park includes a covered bridgewhich was built by volunteers, historical markers, a clock tower, scenic grotto, and picnic area.

This is an example of howcommercial buildings were constructed adjacent to thecanal. The Belle St. Marys is on the canal lower level.

Covered Bridge

Scenic Grotto

Clock Tower

Memorial Park St. Marys

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St. Marys River Aqueduct as seen in 1909

This area was always an importanttransportation hub. A Native Americanportage connected the St. Marys andAuglaize rivers, allowing travel from theGreat Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Itwas a natural spot for trading with theFrench during the 1600-1700s. TheShawnee village Kettle Town was here,as was Girtystown, a hot-spot for the

renegade James Girty. Fort St. Marys was erected by

General Anthony Wayne in 1794 in thewar against the Indians. The Treaty of St. Marys of 1818 opened the way formore settlers and many soldiers returnedto St. Marys to make it home.

The village was founded in 1823 withwork on the canal beginning several years

later. Using only picks, shovels and wheel-barrows, men worked from sunrise to sun-set to construct the canal.

Today, canal water is used by the power plant to cool power-producingmachinery.

16ST. MARYS

It took the hard labor of 500 men two years to build

a 15-mile stretch of the 248.8 mile long ditch.

The Aqueduct as seen today

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1 Jennings Creek Aqueduct–Van Wert /Putnam County Line

2 Lock 24 North, Stone–Delphos/Stadium Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.4

3 Lock 23 North, Wood/Concrete Spillway–3rd Street Delphos . . . . . . . . .0.8

4 Lock 19 North, Wood–Bloomlock Road, Allen County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.4

5 Kendrick Woods Metro Park and State Nature Preserve . . . . . . . . . . . .2.2Defiance Trail /St Rt 81, Allen County

6 Well Site Village Park–Spencerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.4

7 Lock 16 North, Wood/Concrete Spillway–North Canal St, Spencerville . .0.4

8 Lock 15 North, Wood/Concrete Spillway–South Canal St, Spencerville . .0.5

9 Deep Cut Historical Park–Deep Cut Road/St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.7

10 Six Mile Creek Aqueduct–Salem-Noble Road/St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.3

11 Bloody Bridge–County Road 182/St Rt 66A, Noble Twp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.7

12 Lock 14 North, Concrete–Lock 14 Road, West of St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . .1.5

13 40-Acre Pond–Glynwood Road, West of St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.7

14 Tumbles, Stone–North of High Street, St. Marys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3

15 Upper/Lower Canal & Canal Boat–Memorial Park, St. Marys . . . . . . . . . .0.1

16 St. Marys River Aqueduct–Greenville Road, K.C. Geiger Park . . . . . . . . . .0.6

17 Grand Lake St. Marys Feeder Canal–Aqueduct Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.5

18 Feeder/Lake Bulkhead, Stone–St Rt 364/Grand Lake State Park . . . . . . .2.6

19 Lock 8 North, Stone*–Poppe Road, East of St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.0

20 Lock 7 North, Wood–St Rt 219, East of St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.8

21 Lock 2 North, Wood–Lock 2 Road, East of St Rt 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.9

Miami and Erie Canal

Heritage Corridor

Locations and mileage listed North to South.Red dots identify photo sites.

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ON THE TRAIL

Route 66, following the historic path from Piquathrough Delphos, was designated the Miami andErie Canal Scenic Byway. An Ohio Byway is aroad deserving special recognition because of itsimportance to the state – whether for scenic beau-ty, natural qualities, historic significance, cultural,recreational or archeological importance.

The 40-mile Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trailruns from Delphos to Ft. Loramie along the oldcanal towpath. The canal is still mostly intact,with many historic structures, bridges, aqueducts,and cuts along the way.

The Towpath Trail in Allen, VanWert, Auglaize,Shelby, and Miami counties is part of two othermajor trail systems:• The Buckeye Trail, signified by the blue blazes,

circles Ohio for 1,200 miles. It is the longestloop hiking trail in the United States.(www.buckeyetrail.org)

• The North Country National Scenic Trail is a4,600-mile trail stretching from New York toNorth Dakota. (www.northcountrytrail.org)

22 Bremenfest Park–Jefferson St, New Bremen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.8

23 Lock 1 North, Concrete, Lock 1 Park, Historic Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.5St Rt 66, New Bremen

24 Jaycee's Park–Plum Street, New Bremen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.2

25 Seventh St Park–Minster, Seventh Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3

26 Lake Loramie Feeder Canal–Canal Road/Lake Loramie State Park . . . . . .2.7

27 Loramie Creek Aqueduct–East of St Rt 66, North of Fort Loramie . . . . . . .0.1

28 Loramie Village Park–St Rt 66, Fort Loramie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.6

29 Leighty Lake/Shelby County Park Trail–St Rt 47, East of St Rt 66 . . . . . .4.6

30 Painter Creek Stone Culvert*–Cynthian Twp, Shelby County . . . . . . . . . . .1.6

31 Stone Culvert*–Washington Township, Shelby County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.0

32 Mill Creek Stone Culvert*–Stangel Rd, Shelby County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.3

33 Stone Box Culvert*–Miami Conservancy Rd, Shelby County . . . . . . . . . . .1.8

34 Lockington Dam & Reserve–Fessler-Buxton Rd, Shelby County . . . . . . . . . ..7

35 Indian Lake State Park–Lakeview, Logan County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36.0

36 Sidney Feeder Canal–Port Jefferson to Lockington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35.5

37 Lock 1-5 South & Loramie Aqueduct–Lockington, County Rd 111 . . . . . .0.2or Museum Rd, Shelby County

38 Lock 6-7 South, Stone & Landman Mill*–Landman Mill Rd, . . . . . . . . . .0.8Miami County

39 Lock 8 South, Stone, Canal Boat Ride, Piqua Historical Site, . . . . . . . . .1.6Johnston Farm–Hardin Road, Miami County

40 Lock 9 Park–Water Street, Piqua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1

* Contact the local landowner to visit these sites

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Grand Lake St. Marys

Grand Lake St. Marys was constructedas a reservoir to maintain the canal'sfour-foot water depth. Work on the13,500-acre lake began in 1837 andwas completed in 1845 at a cost of$600,000. Grand Lake was connectedto the canal by a three-mile feeder,providing water for the northern leg ofthe canal. For many years, the reser-voir was the largest artificial body ofwater in the world, and is still thelargest one built without the use ofmachinery. Grand Lake St. Marysbecame a state park in 1915.

The bulkhead lock controls thewater drawn from Grand Lake, flow-ing through the feeder canal into themain canal. Hydraulic controls, includ-ing canal lock gates, spillways, andaqueducts, maintain water levels anddivert rain water and drainage, helpingprevent floods and breaches of thebanks.

Lock 8 North is a good example ofa stone lock. It has remained virtuallyundisturbed for the past 100 years, andis considered one of the best preservedcanal locks in the U.S.

Bulkhead Lock

Lock 8 North

Grand Lake St. Marys

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NEW BREMEN

In 1832, a group of German immigrantsfounded New Bremen near the mid-point ofthe canal. Lock 1, located in the center oftown, was built at the north end of theLoramie Summit. The canal brought greatprosperity to the village. There were gristmills, woolen mills, sawmills, and severalpork packing plants and grain warehousesalong the canal.

The legacy of those German pioneers —strong faith, hard work, and a dedication toexcellence — continues today.

Lock 1 North in downtown New Bremen – locks onthe Miami and Erie Canal were numbered northand south from the Loramie Summit.

1864 Cast Iron Bridge is the oldest bowstringgirder bridge in Ohio.

New Bremen has many restoredcanal-era brick structures in itshistoric downtown.

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The Bicycle Museumof America, near Lock 1 North onthe canal, is dedi-cated to the historyof cycling and fea-tures more than200 vintage bikes.

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New Knoxville Heritage Center

The New Knoxville Heritage Centerincludes five restored 19th centurystructures filled with canal-era artifactsincluding a vertical saw blade used tocut timber for the canal locks. NewKnoxville is located three miles east of the canal on State Route 219.

New Bremen Historic Museum

Begun in 1837 and enlarged to its presentsize by 1846, the museum is one of theoldest structures in town. It is a timberbraced frame house lined with bricks, mudand straw, a construction style commonwith the German immigrants. Tour notonly the museum itself, which containsmany local artifacts, but also the bricksummer kitchen and vaulted bake oven.

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New Bremen–Minster stone walk path

The Dutch Mill once received deliveriesfrom canal barges directly through aside door.

MINSTER

In 1832, a group of German immigrantsled by Francis Joseph Stallo formed a set-tlement that became known asStallostown. When the village was incor-porated in 1839 the name was changed toMuenster and later anglicized to Minster.

The Minster Historical Society hascreated a 20-foot long plat map exhibitdetailing the canal, its structures, andhistoric buildings along the canal inMinster and Ft. Loramie. The exhibit islocated on the second floor of the StalloMemorial Library.

The landmark in Minster, without doubt, is the twin-spired St. Augustine Church — one of the region'searliest Catholic parishes, established in 1835.

Although no longer an artery forcommerce, the Miami and ErieCanal remains a scenic recreation-al asset. The three-miletowpath walkway between New Bremen and Minster is agreat place to hike, enjoy natureand discover the canal.

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Wilderness Trail Museum

Part of the history of the muse-um building is that it was usedas a lodging house for peopletraveling along the canal. Thefirst floor was a tavern withbedrooms upstairs.

Today visitors can browse therealistic barroom, parlors fea-turing Native American andmilitary artifacts as well as awoman’s shop with vintageclothing on the first floor.

Canal Mile Marker 116

FORT LORAMIE

In 1769, a French-Canadian trader namedPeter Loramie established a trading postat Loramie Creek. His store became thecenter of Indian activities against the set-tlers, so in 1782, General George RogersClark destroyed the post and the nearbyIndian village.

When the canal was built, LakeLoramie was constructed as a reservoir tosupply water to the canal. A short feedercanal connected the lake with the maincanal.

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LAKEERIE

TOLEDONAPOLEON

DEFIANCEDELPHOS

ST. MARYS

LOCKINGTON

SIDNEY

PIQUATIPP CITY

DAYTON

CINCINNATI

OHIO RIVER

SPENCERVILLE

NEW BREMEN

MINSTER

FT LORAMIE

117'

512'

Upstairs are Victorian-stylebedrooms, dining rooms, parlors and a doll room.

Loramie Summit, fromNew Bremen to Lockington,is the highest point betweenLake Erie and the OhioRiver. The tract of land is 21miles long, 512 feet abovethe Ohio River and 395 feetabove Lake Erie. For theengineers who built theMiami and Erie Canal, theirmost daunting task was get-ting boats over this highground. A series of 105 lockswas the answer.

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Elevation Chart

LORAMIE SUMMIT

Military Display Woman’s Shop Victorian Dining Room

LOCKINGTON

The town of Lockington, originally namedLocksport, was founded in 1837 just as the canalconstruction was moving north from Piqua. It washoped that Locksport, with its six locks on theLoramie Summit, would become the "newCincinnati."

Waiting to use the locks was a slow processthat took several hours, giving passengers time to go ashore and enjoy the wild canal boomtown. Inthe 1850s, the town settled down, becoming morefamily-oriented.

22Lock 2 South

LOCK 5

LOCK 4

LOCK 3

LOCK 2

LOCK 5

LOCK 4

LOCK 3

LOCK 2

LOCK 1LOCK 1

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Five locks enabled canalboats to be raised or lowereda total of 67 feet at thesouthern edge of theLoramie Summit. The locksstepped down to LoramieCreek, where a sixth lockand an aqueduct were built.These stair-step locks werethe most extensive and spec-tacular series of structures onthe canal.

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Ross Historical Center has a series of displayswhich document the rich local heritage includingthe history of the canal.

Hussey’s restaurant sits on theedge of the canal in PortJefferson.

A Memorial to fallenheroes is located inthe MonumentalBuilding.

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People’s Savings and Loan building wasdesigned by world famous architect Louis Sullivan.

Sidney

At Port Jefferson, water from theLewistown Reservoir (Indian Lake),via the Great Miami River, entered afeeder canal that ran through Sidneyand joined the Miami and Erie Canalat Lockington. This feeder was con-structed through Shelby County inthe mid-1830s and brought muchgrowth and prosperity.

The Sidney Court House Squareis listed on the National Register ofHistoric Places. You will want toallow some extra time to examinethe People’s Federal Savings andLoan Association building, theMonumental Building, ShelbyCounty Courthouse and more.

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Piqua Historic Area

The Piqua Historic Area StateMemorial celebrates Ohio's richhistory from prehistoric Indiansto Ohio's canal era. The focalpoint of the peaceful 250-acrepark is John Johnston – farmer,Ohio Canal Commissioner, and United StatesIndian Agent for western Ohio from 1812 to1829. Here Johnston's numerous contributionsto the growth of early Ohio and settlement offrontier America are presented in a trulyunique and beautiful setting.

Today, the Johnston Farm takes you back tothe early 19th century, with costumed inter-preters and craft demonstrations. Preservedbuildings include the original two-story mixedDutch Colonial/Georgian farmhouse and aunique two-story spring house. A mammothdouble-penned log barn, constructed in 1808,is reputed to be the oldest and largest of itstype in Ohio, and is still in use on the grounds.

Summer kitchen

Historic Indian Museum

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Not far from the Johnston Farm is amuseum which was constructed toresemble the blockhouse style of FortPiqua, General Anthony Wayne's 18thcentury supply post. Exhibits trace thestory of the Eastern Woodland Indiansof Ohio. Artifacts from Ohio's canal eraare also on exhibit.

The patio portion of the museumbuilding allows visitors the opportunityto view a restored mile-long section ofthe Miami and Erie Canal.

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General Harrison Canal Boat

This replica of a mule-drawn mixed-cargocanal boat provides rides to the public ona restored mile-long segment of the canal.

Lock 8 South

At the end of its route, the canal boatturns directly in front of Lock 8, giving visitors a close-up view.

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Piqua Lock 9 Park

Completed in 1837, PiquaLock 9 South was the siteof a German immigrant set-tlement and industries thatused canal water power toproduce flannel, flour, andflax seed. In the 1860s,canal traffic began fadingslowly away, but heavy car-goes such as coal, lumber,and stone were shipped onit until 1912.

Reproduction of wooden canal lock doorsToday, Lock 9 South is a memorial park, with abeautiful view of the Great Miami River.

Wall of historical facts and photos

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A canal boat entered a lock,and when the back gate closed,water was allowed to run intothe front end of the lock and fillthe enclosed area. When thewater was high enough, thesecond gate was opened andthe boat floated forward.

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TOURISM INFORMATION:Lima - Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau 888-222-6075Van Wert Convention and Visitors Bureau 419-238-2999Auglaize and Mercer Counties Convention and Visitors Bureau 800-860-4726Greater Logan County Area Convention and Tourism Bureau 888-564-2626Sidney Visitors Bureau 866-892-9122Miami County Visitor and Convention Bureau 800-348-8993Delphos Canal Commission Museum 419-695-7737Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District 419-221-1232Daniel F Mooney Museum (St. Marys) 419-394-4611New Bremen Historic Museum 419-629-0313Bicycle Museum of America (New Bremen) 419-629-9249New Knoxville Heritage Center 419-629-0313Minster Historical Society (Stallo Memorial Library) 419-628-2925Wilderness Trail Museum (Ft. Loramie) 937-295-3855Ross Historical Center (Sidney) 937-498-1653Piqua Historical Area 800-752-26191-800-BUCKEYE

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