Pennsylvania Transportation

News articles and history about PA waterways, highways, railroads and other transporatation

Roads and Highways

Completing of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Road (1819)
Completing the York and Gettysburg Turnpike (1819)

Canals and Waterways

Improvement of The Susquehanna (1822)
The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (1823)
Great Valley Canal (1823)
Surveying for the North Western Canal (1824)
Laying the Foundation for the Union Canal (1824) NEW!!
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (1824) NEW!!
Canal Between Mount Carbon and Reading (1824) NEW!!
Erie Canal Transportation Company (1824) NEW!!
Schuylkill Canal (1824) NEW!!
Pennsylvania Canal (1828) NEW!!

1824 Pennsylvania Canal Surveys NEW!!

Completing of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Road

The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA
June 16, 1819

The section of the northern Pennsylvania Turnpike Road between Huntingdon and the junction of Blacklick and Conemaugh, 38 miles including the Allegheny mountain and Laurel Hill, is said to be completely turnpiked, at an average expense of a little more than $3000 a mile. - Greens Gaz.

Completing the York and Gettysburg Turnpike

The Republican Compiler, Gettysburg, PA
December 8, 1819

The York and Gettysburg turnpike is completed - this road was the only link wanting to a chain to connect Chambersburg and the city of Philadelphia by a turnpike. This route will shorten the distance between Lancaster and Chambersburg about 15 miles, which going and coming on bad roads would make a whole day's ride. On the 1st of January next daily stages will begin to run between Lancaster and Chambersburg, on this road.

Improvement of The Susquehanna

Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
November 6 1822, Page 3

From the Harrisburg Commonwealth

The Lancaster Gazette of the 24th ult, in noticing the internal improvements of the State, asks why the work upon the Susquehanna has not been resumed the present season? We can assure the editor of that paper, that the work has never been suspended, and that it has been progressing all summer, as far as the means and the money appropriated would reach. We have conversed with Mr. Abbot Green, the commissioner for improving the navigation of the Susquehanna from the mouth of Juniata to Northumberland, and find that he had has from 15 to 35 hands under his immediate inspection, busily engaged during the whole of the season, or since the 27th of July.

At Girtie's falls, at a place commonly called the Notch, which formerly would admit of but one ark or raft at a time, he has formed a channel 45 feet in width, and six inched deeper than formerly - and he has blown off all the scattering rock in or near the channel, from the Notch of Montgomery's Island

Last season he widened the narrow ascending course at Berrier's falls, and removed a number of rocks.

This season he has deepened the course at Crow's fish dam. He has blown off all the rocks for the space of ten rods in width, in the ark and raft course at Bargar's ripples, and deepened the low-water boat course, outside of the island, at the same ripples, which now admit two arks abreast, in the lowest water.

Arks can now run at Maughentengo, which was one of the worst places on the river. At this spot much difficulty presented itself and a vast deal of labour was necessary in removing large and permanent gravel beds and cutting through a solid rock for a considerable distance. The water had then to be collected by extensive wing dams.

He has also widened the course both in the lower and upper bar at M'Kees' falls, so that two arks or rafts can pass abreast at any stage of water that will float them in either places.

At Shamokin, where the water was in tolerable arking order, rafts, boats, & C. had to take the east of Sunbury side. He has now made a course on the west side, 45 feet wide, sufficient for all kinds of river craft to pass through in any pitch of water.

This we think is doing a great deal, and together with the exertions of other commissioners on the river, with whom we are acquainted, leaves no room to complain at this time, of the improvement of the Susquehanna.

The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
May 7 1823 Page 2

From the Albany Daily Advertiser.
Communication

As the public attention has been drawn to the Chesapeake and Delaware canal, the following information may not be unacceptable.

In 1801, a company of gentlemen were incorporated for the purpose of making a canal to connect the tide waters of the Chesapeake with those of the Delaware bay.

In 1803 and 1804, Benjamin H. Latrobe, Cornelius Howard and John Thompson, surveyed almost every part of the peninsula which appeared suitable for canalling, and maps, plans and estimates were made of various routes for this canal; which being laid before the board of directors, they decided in favour of a route, which commencing at Welch Point on Elk River, about six miles below Elkton, crossed the peninsula obliquely in a north easterly direction, to Mendenhall's landing on Christiana creek, about four miles above Wilmington, from whence to the Delaware, a distance of six or seven miles, this creek has a depth of 10 or 12 feet of water at high tide. A canal along this route would be about 21 ½ miles in length, have a summit level of about 13 miles in length, and would require 20 locks, including the two tide locks.

In 1822, William Strickland, of Philadelphia, surveyed a route for this canal, which commencing on the Delaware, about 40 miles below Philadelphia, at a place about half a mile above Fort Delaware erected on Pea Patch Island, crossed the peninsula nearly at right angles, and arrived at Welch Point on Elk river, by a route 17 ½ miles in length, three miles of which would be through Back creek, where the water is from 8 to 24 feet deep at low tide; a canal following this route would have a summit level five miles in length, and requires 18 locks, including the tide locks.

In 1823, John Randel, Jun., of Albany, surveyed a route for this canal, which commenced and terminated near the same points with that laid out by Mr. Strickland, would have the same length, but its summit level would be one mile in length, and 16 locks would be needed, including the two tide locks.

Each of these plans depended for their supply of water upon Elk river and White Clay creek, both of which could be carried to the canal as laid out by Mr. Latrobe, by two feeders, which together, would amount to a length of 17 miles; to the route laid out by Mr. Stickland, by 20 miles of feeder, and to the route laid out by Mr. Randel, by 22 miles of feeder.

In 1804 Mr. Latrobe estimated the supply of water which could be derived to the canal from Elk river, at 190 locks full per day, which would be sufficient for the passage of about 38vessels across the summit. In 1807, he estimated the daily supply at 144 locks full, which would pass 29 vessels daily.

In 1823, Mr. Randal measured this stream, and found its average daily for the whole year amount only to 79 locks full, which would pass 16 vessels across the summit; but that in the months of July, August, September and October, the daily supply was only 30 locks full, and would be competent for the passage of 6 vessels across the summit, or 3 each way the whole length of the canal. The supply of water from White Clay creek will be about equal to that from the Elk river.

The route recommended by Mr. Randal is located at a place where the tides of the two bays have originally approached within 4 ½ miles of each other, and were separated by a hill consisting apparently of gravelly loam, having an average height of only 35 feet above the level of the tide. By the plan last mentioned, this canal was to have been carried upon the level of the tide, from which it would receive its supply of water to the east and west foot of this hill, and the locks which were required to surmount this hill, were to be fed from the before-mentioned streams. The plan which he recommends as the most eligible for this route is to cut down this hill to the depth of the canal below the level of flood tide; to have a tide lock at each bay, which would make still water, and prevent a current in the canal, and to feed the canal from the Delaware having the ocean for its reservoir. Should this plan be adopted, the extra cost of deep cutting would, Mr. Randal thinks, be more than balanced by the savings in making 17 miles of feeder, 18 locks, 100 acres of reservoir, purchasing from 7 to 10 water rights, together with aqueducts, culverts, & c with the cost and disastrous contingencies to which they are liable; even though no account be made of the abundance in the supply of water. And should the deep cutting prove to be, as its external surface indicates a canal for ships can be made to connect the two bays, at a cost not exceeding that of one for sloops, if carried across the hill by locks, and fed by the above mentioned streams.

Shafts have not yet been sunk to test the kind of earth to be removed from the deep cut. This Mr. Randel is to do as early in the season as his other engagements will permit.

Benjamin Wright, of Rome, is also appointed to explore this peninsula, and report for this canal the route which he may think most eligible. Should this latter plan be adopted and vigorously pursued, in four years time ships might pass from Philadelphia to sea by the way of the Chesapeake. The water communication between Philadelphia and Baltimore would be shortened about three hundred miles, and the produce from the Susquehannah, when at Havre de Grace, would, by this route, be within about 20 miles as near to Philadelphia as to Baltimore.

When this canal shall be completed, there will only remain the New Jersey canal to be made, to give an inland water communication from the Capes of Virginia to Rhode Island, which in time of war would be invaluable. This canal was laid out by Mr. Randel in 1815, (29 miles in length, and 63 feet above the tide,) under commissioners appointed by the Legislature of New Jersey. It was intended for the passage of sloops, but could be made of dimensions competent for the passage of ships as a cost not exceeding about 25 or 30 per centum above that of constructing the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, and would shorten the water communication between the cities of Philadelphia and New York about 180 miles.

If in addition to these canals, the ship canal projected by E. c. Genet, Esq. and laid out by Mr. Randel in 1819, under commissioners appointed by the legislature of New York, be made from Albany, a distance of 13 miles, to the deep water at New Baltimore, (which would not exceed about half of the cost of eh Chesapeake and Delaware canal,) then the termination of the Erie and Champlain canals at Albany would be accessible by ships as well as coasting vessels, by an inland communication from any port between Virginia and Rhode Island.

It will at once be perceived, that as the water communication between Virginia and Lake Champlain would be nearly in a northerly direction, every mile you advance along it would give a change of latitude and a consequent change in the productions of the earth, as well as in the wants of the inhabitants. The advantages which would result from canals giving such facilities for the exchange of the products of different climates, and of friendly intercourse between the citizens of different states, could not fail to be productive of the most salutary consequences, both in a pecuniary as well as moral and political point of view.

Great Valley Canal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) January 28, 1824 Page 1

It give us pleasure to be able to say, that Mr. Hains, and the gentlemen who were with him, Mr. J. R. Thomas and Mr. C. Downing, have finished taking the levels, contemplated by them, for several miles on each side of the Gap. Their perseverance in this inclement season is truly praiseworthy.

From the examination made, the important facts are fully ascertained.

1. That the Canal is practicable from the Susquehannah, through the Great Valley to Philadelphia.

2. That there may be obtained a full and overflowing supply of water at the summit level.

3. That the difficulties to be overcome are not great than in other works of the kind, of the same distance.

If the people up the Susquehanah and those of the city choose to unite their exertions they can have a canal that shall insure beyond the possibility of doubt, the trade of the Susquehannah river to Philadelphia. - Village Record

North Western Canal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) February 18, 1824 Page 1

Harrisburg, Feb. 3

It may not be remembered by our readers, that a law was passed last session "direction the survey of a route for a canal between lake Erie and French creek." It nevertheless was the fact; and "Thomas Forster of Erie county, James Herrinton of Crawford county, and Wm. Marks, jr. (Speaker of Senate) of Allegheny county," were the commissioners named in the law, "to view and explore all the contemplated routes, for connecting the waters of Lake Erie and French creek, by canal and slack water navigation." The report of the commissioners was transmitted to both branches of the legislature, on Friday last, by the governor, and is of considerable interest. Its great length precludes the practicability, or at least the propriety, of publishing it in our paper, under present circumstances. It appears the commissioners explored four different routes, two of which were abandoned, as impracticable; two more were surveyed, leveled, and the expense estimated; and a very handsome profile accompanied the report; which is placed in one of the committee rooms of senate. Both routes connect with French creek, at the outlet of Conniaut marsh, a distance of 20 miles and 301 perches from the town of Franklin, where French creek empties into the Allegheny river, about 120 miles above Pittsburgh. In this distance there is an elevation of 70 feet, which is to be overcome with seven locks.

The western route proceeds up the march to Conniaut lake, a distance of 12 miles and 2 perches, ie which there is an elevation of only 8 feet. This lake, together with a ridge, 16 feet deep, are to form a summit level of 5 miles and 210 perches. Thence 19 miles and 44 perches to with 7 miles and 140 perches to within 7 miles and 140 perches of Lake Erie, with a fall of 209 feet, to be overcome by 21 locks, where a choice is left, of two routes, the nearest of which is 18 miles from Erie Harbor. In this distance, there is a fall of 260 feet, to embrace 26 locks. There cannot be a safe harbor here, by reason of the shoalness of the water.

The whole distance from the Allegheny, at Franklin, to Lake Eire, at the mouth of Elk creek or Crooked creek is 65 miles and 75 perches, with 548 feet of lockage, which will require 54 locks. The expense of this route is estimated at $632,970 50 cents.

The eastern route passes by Meadville and Waterford, to Erie Harbor, following the direction of French creek, to Le Boeff creek, crossing it 5 times, and thence to Erie Harbor. The whole distance, by this route, is 73 miles and 27 perches; having 868 feet of lockage to overcome; which will require 86 locks. The summit level, on this route, is 630 feet above the level of Erie Harbor; and this is at a distance of only 8 miles and 197 perches. The estimate of the route is $921,480 47.

The summit level, of the eastern route, is 160 feet higher than that of the western; and must be supplied by a feeder, from the forks of French creek, 13 miles and 27 perches in length. The Allegheny, at Franklin, is ascertained to be 392 feet higher than Lake Erie. - Penn. Intel.

Laying the Foundation for the Union Canal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

May 19 1824

On the 1st inst., the foundation stone of the lock on the Union Canal of Pennsylvania, at the east end of the summit level, was laid by Mr. Prevost, manager, in the presence of a number of citizens. A salute of twenty-three discharges was fired on the occasion, and in the evening there was a public super, to which about seventy gentlemen sat down.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

August 18 1824

Union, Pa. Aug 3

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

The board of Engineers have finished their first general reconnaissance of the Eastern and middle sections of this great national design; and we are happy to learn, that no doubt is entertained of it practicability; though much rough, rugged and steep ground is presented along the ravines of both the Youghioghany and Cheat rivers. Yet, it is said, no difficulty has occurred so great or so appalling as those which have been encountered and overcome on the New York Canal, especially on the Mohawk river.

The board have been indefatigable in their labors, nothing has been permitted, we believe, for a single day, to interrupt them. Having made out instructions for the different brigades of engineers ordered upon the work, they left here a few days since, with a view to examine the Monongahela to Pittsburg, and thence proceed to the examination of that section of the canal, which is to unite the Ohio river with Lake Erie by the Beaver and Grand rivers. When this is completed, it is understood, that the board are to join the Pennsylvania commissioners at Pittsburg; and proceed with them, to the examination of the Susquehanna, & c.

The distribution of the Engineers upon the work, we understand, has been according to the following plan of operation: Major Abert's brigade (as heretofore stated) has been ordered on the eastern section of the work; extending from the mouth of Savage river on the Potomac to the city of Washington. The summit level, has been divided into two sections: the first extending from the bridge on Deep creek, to the mouth of Savage river. The other extending westwardly, from the bridge to the mouth of Bear creek. The eastern section is assigned to the brigade under the command of Capt. M'Neil; the western section to that under the direction of Mr. Shriver. When these gentlemen shall have completed their labor on the summit level Capt. M'Neil, we understand, will in pursuance of his instructions, survey a middle route along equal distant from the Youghioghany and Cheat river, crossing the Youghioghany at the mouth of bear creek thence through the Virginia and Pennsylvania grades by the roads of Sandy creek to the Lau(?) (?), which may be passed by a short tunnel at the town of Monroe, and (?ener) by the ravine of Redstone creek to the Monongahela. While Mr. Shriver, with the brigade will be employed in surveying the route along the Youghioghany river from the mouth of Bear creek to tis confluence with the Monongahela. Those gentlemen, we are informed, are also instructed by the board to run levels along the foot of the Laurel Hill from the middle route to the Cheat and the Youghioghany, with a view to ascertain whether a portion of their waters may not be profitably used as feeders to the middle route. Each brigade consists of from 4 to 6 engineers, and from 12 to 13 hands. Several of the recent graduates of the military academy have been ordered on to join those brigades with a view, no doubt, to qualify them to enter upon the important duties which will be demanded by the country in prosecuting the grand national system of internal improvement, which has been so happily commenced during the last session of Congress; and from which the nation may safely promise itself the most glorious and important results. - Genius of Liberty.

Canal Between Mount Carbon and Reading

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

September 29, 1824

From the Philadelphia Gaz., Sept. 24

Seventy-five boats laden with 30,000 bushels of coal, and other merchandize, from Mount Carbon, have passed the locks at Reading, and may be expected to arrive at this city, this eveing or tomorrow morning. This is very important intelligence as in it is implied that the improvements of the Schuylkill are completed, so far at least that boats can pass up and down that river for a distance of 110 miles. In Pennsylvania we have long had turnpike roads which would no do discredit to the most populous kingdoms in Europe, but this is the first instance of our completing an artificial navigation of any considerable extent. Between Mount Carbon and Philadelphia there are 120 locks. Sixty three miles of the whole distance consist of navigable canal, and the rest of slack water navigation in pools formed by the dams.

Erie Canal Transportation Company

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) October 13 1824

This company is formed of men of the first respectability in the state of New York. Messrs. Phelps and Meech superintend its general concerns. They have established four daily lines of boats between Albany and Lockport, the present termination of the Canal, and pass at the average rate of fity miles every twenty-four hours. They engage to deliver property at Buffalo in 12 days; and at any point on the south shore of Lake Erie from 1 to 3 days. Price of transportation, to Buffalo $1.50 per hundred (112 lbs.) - from Buffalo to Erie, &c. 25 cents per hundred, including all charges for storage. When the Canal is navigable from Lockport to Buffalo, it is allege, the price of transportation will be reduced to $1 per hundred. - Meadville Messenger.

Schuylkill Canal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

November 17, 1824

Reading, Nov. 6

The water was on Saturday again introduced into the lower section of the Canal, in the vicinity of this borough, and on Sunday it reached within half a mile of the upper locks, when it penetrated through the limestone embedded in the bottom, in such a degree as to be entirely lost in a few minutes. A small stone house on the verge of the embankment was undermined so as to cause one end to sink several feet. The cellar under the house belonging to Mr. Reese was almost instantly filled with water. Chasms of considerable magnitude now remain to be filled up. The engineers, indefatigable in their duty, have commenced repairs with redoubled vigor; should accident and difficulties not multiply, there is still a hope that in the course of two weeks the obstacles that have been unluckily presented may be surmounted.

The New York company are now busily engaged in transporting the coal owned by them, by land to the outlet locks, a distance of about two miles, where they are re-shipping it for further transportation. - Journal

Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

November 24, 1824

Reading, Nov. 13

The New York Schuylkill Coal Company, are about establishing a regular water communication between Reading and that city. A line of packets will sail at stated intervals from New York and enter the river Schuylkill near Philadelphia, and ascend the same, so as to unite with the canal boats near the locks at the Upper Ferry. The freight from New York to Philadelphia will not exceed $1 75 per ton. The merchants and manufacturers of Berks and Schuylkill counties, will have a choice of two of the best markets in the United States. We understand that the canal boats will be covered, and rendered in every respect proof against the weather. - Journal.

Pennsylvania Canal

The Adams Sentinel (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

December 17 1828

Harrisburg, Dec. 8

We understand that the water of Fishing-creek was let into the Canal at McAllister's on Wednesday last, and that it flowed without interruption until it came within two miles of Harrisburg, where the embankment is of loose slate, taken from the bed of the Canal. Further the water will not come. - Chron.

We regret to learn that a number of coal arks have been lost on the dams erected at Foster's falls and Shamokin. From the watermen, we learn that the danger in running those dams is considered greater than running the Conowago falls. It is, therefore, necessary that they should undergo alterations before our spring freshet. - Int.

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