Guidebook 14

Geology along the towpath:
stones of the Ohio & Erie and Miami & Erie Canals

by Joseph T. Hannibal
60 p., 78 figs., 4 tables, glossary, 1998
 
Price: $4.00 (plus tax and handling)

Between 1825 and 1850, two great systems of canals were constructed in Ohio, extending from Lake Erie to the Ohio River--the Ohio & Erie Canal between Cleveland and Portsmouth, and the Miami & Erie Canal between Toledo and Cincinnati. Most of the 260+ locks on the canals as well as related structures (culverts, aqueducts) were built of local stone, primarily sandstone on the Ohio & Erie and limestone on the Miami & Erie. This guidebook provides an overview of the canals, lock construction, and the types and sources of stone used for the locks. The 16 stops (nine on the Ohio & Erie and seven on the Miami & Erie) include detailed descriptions of the stone of numerous locks. Location maps and photos are included for each stop. At many of the sites the locks have been maintained or restored and are open for public inspection. A list of references and a glossary of terms are included.