Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7
|
|
Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7, June 2008
|
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Along PA 4023, 0.6 mi. N of Kittanning Br., East Franklin Township, Pennsylvania and Kittanning, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 19.3 acres (7.8 ha) |
| Built | 1928-1930 |
| Built by | Dravo Corp. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Allegheny River Navigation System MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000401 |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 2000 |
The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7 is an important historical structure. It includes a lock and a dam on the Allegheny River. This complex is found near East Franklin Township and Kittanning in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.
It was built a long time ago, between 1928 and 1930. The United States Army Corps of Engineers created this project. The goal was to make it easier for boats to travel along the Allegheny River.
What is a Lock and Dam?
A dam is like a wall built across a river. It holds back water to create a deeper section. This helps boats move more easily.
A lock is a special chamber next to the dam. It helps boats move from one water level to another. Imagine a giant elevator for boats!
- Boats enter the lock from one side.
- The gates close, and the water level inside the lock changes.
- Once the water matches the new level, the other gates open.
- The boat can then continue its journey.
Building the Lock and Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built this complex. It includes the lock, the dam, and an Operations Building. This building is where people work to control the lock and dam.
Size and Features
The lock itself is quite large. It measures about 56 feet wide and 360 feet long. It can lift boats about 13 feet higher or lower.
The dam is also very big. It stands about 20 feet tall. It stretches for about 916 feet across the river.
The Operations Building is a two-story building. It was designed in a simple style from the early 1900s.
A Historic Landmark
The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7 is a special place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It helps us remember how people improved river travel in the past.
