The Schuylkill Navigation and the Girard Canal
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Low Bridge, Everybody Down' (WITH INDEX)
“Low Bridge; Everybody Down!” Notes & Notions on the Construction & Early Operation of the Erie Canal Chuck Friday Editor and Commentator 2005 “Low Bridge; Everybody Down!” 1 Table of Contents TOPIC PAGE Introduction ………………………………………………………………….. 3 The Erie Canal as a Federal Project………………………………………….. 3 New York State Seizes the Initiative………………………………………… 4 Biographical Sketch of Jesse Hawley - Early Erie Canal Advocate…………. 5 Western Terminus for the Erie Canal (Black Rock vs Buffalo)……………… 6 Digging the Ditch……………………………………………………………. 7 Yankee Ingenuity…………………………………………………………….. 10 Eastward to Albany…………………………………………………………… 12 Westward to Lake Erie………………………………………………………… 16 Tying Up Loose Ends………………………………………………………… 20 The Building of a Harbor at Buffalo………………………………………….. 21 Canal Workforce……………………………………………………………… 22 The Irish Worker Story……………………………………………………….. 27 Engineering Characteristics of Canals………………………………………… 29 Early Life on the Canal……………………………………………………….. 33 Winter – The Canal‘sGreatest Impediment……………………………………. 43 Canal Expansion………………………………………………………………. 45 “Low Bridge; Everybody Down!” 2 ―Low Bridge; Everybody Down!‖ Notes & Notions on the Construction & Early Operation of the Erie Canal Initial Resource Book: Dan Murphy, The Erie Canal: The Ditch That Opened A Nation, 2001 Introduction A foolhardy proposal, years of political bickering and partisan infighting, an outrageous $7.5 million price tag (an amount roughly equal to about $4 billion today) – all that for a four foot deep, 40 foot wide ditch connecting Lake Erie in western New York with the Hudson River in Albany. It took 7 years of labor, slowly clawing shovels of earth from the ground in a 363-mile trek across the wilderness of New York State. Through the use of many references, this paper attempts to describe this remarkable construction project. Additionally, it describes the early operation of the canal and its impact on the daily life on or near the canal‘s winding path across the state. -
Four Thousand Ships Passed Through the Lock: Object-Induced Measure Functions on Events
MANFRED KRIFKA FOUR THOUSAND SHIPS PASSED THROUGH THE LOCK: OBJECT-INDUCED MEASURE FUNCTIONS ON EVENTS 1 . INTRODUCTION 1.1. Event-Related and Object-Related Readings The subject of this paper* is certain peculiar readings of sentences like the following ones: (1)a. Four thousand ships passed through the lock last year. b. The library lent out 23,000 books in 1987. C. Sixty tons of radioactive waste were transported through the lock last year. d. The dry cleaners cleaned 5.7 million bags of clothing in 1987. e. 12,000 persons walked through the turnstile yesterday. Take the first example, (la) (it is inspired by the basic text of the LiLog project of IBM Germany, which first drew my attention to these sen- tences). It clearly has two readings. The first one, call it the object-related reading, says that there are four thousand ships which passed through the lock last year. The second one, call it the event-related reading, says that there were four thousand events of passing through the lock by a ship last year. The object-related reading presupposes the existence of (at least) four thousand ships in the world we are talking about. In the event-related reading, there might be fewer ships in the world. In the limiting case, a single ship passing through the lock about 12 times a day would be suffi- cient. We find the same ambiguity in the other examples of (1). The library might contain fewer than 23,000 books, there might be less than sixty tons of radioactive waste, there might be less than 5.7 million bags of clothing, and there might be fewer than 12,000 persons - but the sentences (lb-e) could still be true in their event-related readings. -
Pennsylvania June, 2004
A Bicentennial Inventory of America's Historic Canal Resources Published by the American Canal Society, 117 Main St., Freemansburg, PA 18017 DRAFT Pennsylvania June, 2004 Map by William H. Shank Amazing Pennsylvania Canals American Canal & Transportation Center PENNSYLVANIA CANALS State Canals Beaver Division Conneaut Division Delaware Division Eastern Division Juniata Division North Branch Division Shenango Division Susquehanna Division West Branch Division Western Division Bald Eagle & Spring Creek Navigation Codorus Navigation Conestoga Navigation Delaware & Hudson Canal Lehigh Canal Leiper Canal Pennsylvania & Ohio Cana lSandy & Beaver Canal Schuylkill Navigation Susquehanna & Tidewater Canal Union Canal Pine Grove Brasnch & Feeder Wiconisco Canal CONNECTING RAILROADS Allegheny Portage Railroad Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad Lehigh & Susquehanna Railroad New Portage Railroad Pennsylvania Coal Company Gravity Railroad Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad Switchback Gravity Railroad BIBLIOGRAPHY Archer, Robert F., A History of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Howell-North Books, Berkeley, CA 1978 ISBN 0- 8310-7113-3 Barber, David G., A Guide to the Lehigh Canal, Lower & Upper Divisions, Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter, 1992, 136 pages Barber, David G., A Guide to the Delaware & Hudson Canal, Center for Canal History and Technology, Easton, PA, 2003, 164 pages, ISBN 0-930973-32-1 Bartholomew, Ann and Metz, Lance E., Delaware and Lehigh Canals, Center for Canal History and Technology, Easton, PA, 1989, 158 pages, ISBN 0-930973-09-7 -
ANTHRACITE Downloaded from COAL CANALS and the ROOTS of AMERICAN FOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENCE, 1820–1860 Envhis.Oxfordjournals.Org
CHRISTOPHER F. JONES a landscape of energy abundance: ANTHRACITE Downloaded from COAL CANALS AND THE ROOTS OF AMERICAN FOSSIL FUEL DEPENDENCE, 1820–1860 envhis.oxfordjournals.org ABSTRACT Between 1820 and 1860, the construction of a network of coal-carrying canals transformed the society, economy, and environment of the eastern mid- Atlantic. Artificial waterways created a new built environment for the region, an energy landscape in which anthracite coal could be transported cheaply, reliably, at Harvard University Library on October 26, 2010 and in ever-increasing quantities. Flush with fossil fuel energy for the first time, mid-Atlantic residents experimented with new uses of coal in homes, iron forges, steam engines, and factories. Their efforts exceeded practically all expec- tations. Over the course of four decades, shipments of anthracite coal increased exponentially, helping turn a rural and commercial economy into an urban and industrial one. This article examines the development of coal canals in the ante- bellum period to provide new insights into how and why Americans came to adopt fossil fuels, when and where this happened, and the social consequences of these developments. IN THE FIRST DECADES of the nineteenth century, Philadelphians had little use for anthracite coal.1 It was expensive, difficult to light, and considered more trouble than it was worth. When William Turnbull sold a few tons of anthracite to the city’s waterworks in 1806, the coal was tossed into the streets to be used as gravel because it would not ignite.2 In 1820, the delivery © 2010 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Environmental History and the Forest History Society. -
Some Notes on the State-Owned Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad*
SOME NOTES ON THE STATE-OWNED COLUMBIA AND PHILADELPHIA RAILROAD* By HUBERTIS CUMMINGS r IGURATIVELY speaking, on the subject of the Columbia F and Philadelphia Railroad one could go riding off-as did the Leacockian hero-in all directions. If one could adopt and adhere to one line of travel for it, the journey might not be, according to twentieth-century ideals of railway convenience and luxury, very comfortable. The state-built and state-owned railroad between William Penn's great city on the Delaware and the river town on the Susquehanna long known as Wright's Ferry emerged from a dilemma, and it was its eventual destiny to be implicated in a fiasco. The course of its history was as multifarious as was its inception. In nothing is the tale of it simple. To cover the many- sided story in one brief paper, then, is impossible. For the connec- tions of the Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad with the policy of public improvements adopted by the Commonwealth of Penn- sylvania in 1826 are not only connections with the canal fever of that era in the Keystone State. They are connections with both the Erie Canal in New York State and with a whole epoch of American transportation history. Historians who trace the succession of events leading to the public system of transportation and travel which was owned by Pennsylvania between 1827 and 1857, usually tell much of Wil- liam Penn,' David Rittenhouse, Provost William Smith,2 financier and promoter Robert Morris,3 and Legislator William Lehman,4 as *Paper read at the meeting of the Pennsylvania Historical Association at Dickinson College, Carlisle, October 21, 1949. -
Waterway Dimensions
Generated by waterscape.com Dimension Data The data published in this documentis British Waterways’ estimate of the dimensions of our waterways based upon local knowledge and expertise. Whilst British Waterways anticipates that this data is reasonably accurate, we cannot guarantee its precision. Therefore, this data should only be used as a helpful guide and you should always use your own judgement taking into account local circumstances at any particular time. Aire & Calder Navigation Goole to Leeds Lock tail - Bulholme Lock Length Beam Draught Headroom - 6.3m 2.74m - - 20.67ft 8.99ft - Castleford Lock is limiting due to the curvature of the lock chamber. Goole to Leeds Lock tail - Castleford Lock Length Beam Draught Headroom 61m - - - 200.13ft - - - Heck Road Bridge is now lower than Stubbs Bridge (investigations underway), which was previously limiting. A height of 3.6m at Heck should be seen as maximum at the crown during normal water level. Goole to Leeds Lock tail - Heck Road Bridge Length Beam Draught Headroom - - - 3.71m - - - 12.17ft - 1 - Generated by waterscape.com Leeds Lock tail to River Lock tail - Leeds Lock Length Beam Draught Headroom - 5.5m 2.68m - - 18.04ft 8.79ft - Pleasure craft dimensions showing small lock being limiting unless by prior arrangement to access full lock giving an extra 43m. Leeds Lock tail to River Lock tail - Crown Point Bridge Length Beam Draught Headroom - - - 3.62m - - - 11.88ft Crown Point Bridge at summer levels Wakefield Branch - Broadreach Lock Length Beam Draught Headroom - 5.55m 2.7m - - 18.21ft 8.86ft - Pleasure craft dimensions showing small lock being limiting unless by prior arrangement to access full lock giving an extra 43m. -
Jjjn'iwi'li Jmliipii Ill ^ANGLER
JJJn'IWi'li jMlIipii ill ^ANGLER/ Ran a Looks A Bulltrog SEPTEMBER 1936 7 OFFICIAL STATE September, 1936 PUBLICATION ^ANGLER Vol.5 No. 9 C'^IP-^ '" . : - ==«rs> PUBLISHED MONTHLY COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA by the BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS PENNSYLVANIA BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS HI Five cents a copy — 50 cents a year OLIVER M. DEIBLER Commissioner of Fisheries C. R. BULLER 1 1 f Chief Fish Culturist, Bellefonte ALEX P. SWEIGART, Editor 111 South Office Bldg., Harrisburg, Pa. MEMBERS OF BOARD OLIVER M. DEIBLER, Chairman Greensburg iii MILTON L. PEEK Devon NOTE CHARLES A. FRENCH Subscriptions to the PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER Elwood City should be addressed to the Editor. Submit fee either HARRY E. WEBER by check or money order payable to the Common Philipsburg wealth of Pennsylvania. Stamps not acceptable. SAMUEL J. TRUSCOTT Individuals sending cash do so at their own risk. Dalton DAN R. SCHNABEL 111 Johnstown EDGAR W. NICHOLSON PENNSYLVANIA ANGLER welcomes contribu Philadelphia tions and photos of catches from its readers. Pro KENNETH A. REID per credit will be given to contributors. Connellsville All contributors returned if accompanied by first H. R. STACKHOUSE class postage. Secretary to Board =*KT> IMPORTANT—The Editor should be notified immediately of change in subscriber's address Please give both old and new addresses Permission to reprint will be granted provided proper credit notice is given Vol. 5 No. 9 SEPTEMBER, 1936 *ANGLER7 WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT STREAM POLLUTION By GROVER C. LADNER Deputy Attorney General and President, Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen PORTSMEN need not be told that stream pollution is a long uphill fight. -
Philadelphia and Camden Waterfronts NOAA Chart 12313
BookletChart™ Philadelphia and Camden Waterfronts NOAA Chart 12313 A reduced-scale NOAA nautical chart for small boaters When possible, use the full-size NOAA chart for navigation. Published by the feet for the middle 800 feet of the span and 128 feet under the rest of the span. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The wind direction for the summer is from the southwest, while National Ocean Service northwesterly winds prevail during the winter. The annual prevailing Office of Coast Survey direction is from the west-southwest. Destructive velocities are comparatively rare and occur mostly in gusts during summer www.NauticalCharts.NOAA.gov thunderstorms. Only rarely have hurricanes in the vicinity caused 888-990-NOAA widespread damage, then primarily through flooding. Flood stages in the Schuylkill River normally occur twice a year. Flood What are Nautical Charts? stages seldom last over 12 hours and occur after excessive falls of precipitation during summer thunderstorms. Flood stages in the Nautical charts are a fundamental tool of marine navigation. They show Delaware River are caused by abnormally high tides due to the water water depths, obstructions, buoys, other aids to navigation, and much “backing up” under the strong south or southeast winds. more. The information is shown in a way that promotes safe and Schuylkill River is navigable for 7.3 miles to Fairmount Dam, Fairmount efficient navigation. Chart carriage is mandatory on the commercial and is an important outlet for a part of the commerce of Philadelphia. ships that carry America’s commerce. They are also used on every Navy The Federal project provides for a channel 33 feet deep to Passyunk and Coast Guard ship, fishing and passenger vessels, and are widely Avenue bridge, thence 26 feet deep to Gibson Point, thence 22 feet carried by recreational boaters. -
Geographical Overview of the Three Gorges Dam and Reservoir, China—Geologic Hazards and Environmental Impacts
Geographical Overview of the Three Gorges Dam and Reservoir, China—Geologic Hazards and Environmental Impacts Open-File Report 2008–1241 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Geographical Overview of the Three Gorges Dam and Reservoir, China— Geologic Hazards and Environmental Impacts By Lynn M. Highland Open-File Report 2008–1241 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Mark D. Myers, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2008 For product and ordering information: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. Suggested citation: Highland, L.M., 2008, Geographical overview of the Three Gorges dam and reservoir, China—Geologic hazards and environmental impacts: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2008–1241, 79 p. http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1241/ iii Contents Slide 1...............................................................................................................................................................1 -
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
Chester County, Pennsylvania Sheriff Sale of Real Estate Thursday, January 16, 2014 @ 11 AM CONDITIONS OF SALE Conditions of sale of all the estate, right title and interest of the above named defendant in and to the following described real estate, viz.: be the same more or less, with the appurtenances; exposed to public sale the 21st day of January 16, 2014 at 11 AM. 1st.The highest and best bidder, by a fair and open bid, shall be the purchaser. 2nd. Ten percent of the purchase money shall be paid to the Sheriff at the time of sale. The balance of the pur- chase money must be paid at her office in West Chester, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale without any demand being made by the Sheriff therefor. 3rd. If any person to whom the above premises shall be struck off, shall neglect or refuse to take the same at his bid, and comply with the conditions of sale thereof, the same when exposed to sale again, by reason of such default, shall be at the sole risk of the first purchaser, who shall derive no benefit from such sale; but they shall pay all differ- ence or deficiency between his bid and the price the same shall bring at such subsequent sale, with all interest, costs and expenses consequent thereon. Accordingly, the Sheriff as advertised and announced and in the event that the purchase money is not paid wiwthin twenty-one days from the date of sale, the Sheriff may forthwith and without further notice cause the premises again to be advertised for sale and shall look in the defaulting bidder for the payment of all costs occasioned by the re-advertised sale. -
The Schuylkill River Trail from the Past to the Present
M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y P A T R A I L S Y S T E M The Schuylkill River Trail From the past to the present. From the historic river Extension. For those seeking public transportation to the trail, towns of Conshohocken, Norristown, and Pottstown to the SEPTA offers excellent access via regional rail service and bus rolling hills of Valley Forge National Historical Park. The lines in Miquon, Spring Mill, Conshohocken, and Norristown. Schuylkill River Trail in Montgomery County takes visitors Visit www.montcopa.org/schuylkillrivertrail for more through a rich blend of natural, cultural, and historical information or contact Montgomery County Division of Parks, resources. The trail runs through a variety of urban, Trails, & Historic Sites at 610.278.3555. suburban, and rural landscapes, offering nearly 20 miles to hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, and in-line skaters. Trail Rules The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is the spine of the • Trail speed limit is 15 mph Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Corridor. When completed, the trail will run over 100 miles from the coal region • Trail is open dawn to dusk of Schuylkill County to the Delaware River in Philadelphia. • No unauthorized motor vehicles are permitted on trail Evidence of several centuries of industrial use remains • Dogs must be leashed where river and canal navigation, quarrying of limestone and • Owners are responsible for cleaning up all pet waste iron ore, and production of iron and steel have succeeded each • No littering—please practice “Carry In - Carry Out” other as mainstays of this region’s economy. -
Summary of Post-Industrial Center City Walking Tour from 20Th and Callowhill Streets to the Delaware River by Harry Kyriakodis I
Summary of Post-Industrial Center City Walking Tour From 20th and Callowhill Streets to the Delaware River By Harry Kyriakodis I've always been fascinated by the post-industrial landscape of the four-block-wide swath of Center City Philadelphia between Vine and Spring Garden Streets, from the Schuylkill to the Delaware Rivers. This bleak corridor has a long and peculiar history, some of which accounts for the way it is today. The shadow of William Penn (1644-1718), founder of both Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, figures prominently in the story. In 1681, King Charles II granted all of what is now the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Penn in repayment of a debt owed to Penn's father. Penn and his fellow Quakers came to this region in the 1680s. After establishing Philadelphia, Penn reserved for himself and his family a large tract of land immediately north of the original northern city boundary (Vine Street) and south of the "Liberty Lands" of northern Philadelphia County. (The Liberty Lands were areas out in the countryside that were given to the first purchasers of property in the city proper, with the thought that these buyers would build large estates for themselves or establish towns outside of Philadelphia.) Some accounts have it that northern limit of this tract was just north of present-day Callowhill Street, at least in the eastern part of this corridor, with other tracts between Callowhill and Spring Garden Streets. Whatever the case, Penn's country estate was known as Springettsbury Manor, named after his first wife, Gulielma Springett.