Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 8 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 8
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Along PA 1033, 1.5 mi. S of Templeton, Boggs Township, Pennsylvania and Washington Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 35.8 acres (14.5 ha) |
| Built | 1929-1931, 1937 |
| Built by | U.G.I. Contracting Co. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Allegheny River Navigation System MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000402 |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 2000 |
Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 8 is a special structure that helps boats travel safely on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. It includes a lock and a dam. A lock is like a water elevator for boats. A dam is a barrier that holds back water.
This important complex is located in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, near Boggs Township and Washington Township. It was built a long time ago, between 1929 and 1931. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built it. They are a group that works on public projects like rivers and harbors.
Contents
What is Lock and Dam No. 8?
Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 8 is made up of several parts. These include the lock, the dam, an open area called an esplanade, and an Operations Building. The whole area covers about 35.8 acres.
The Lock
The lock is a big chamber that helps boats move between different water levels. It measures 56 feet wide and 360 feet long. This is about the length of a football field! The lock can lift or lower boats by 17.8 feet. This helps them get past the dam.
The Dam
The dam is a large wall that stretches across the river. It is about 50 feet high and 916 feet long. In 1937, three more feet were added to the top of the dam. This helps control the water level for navigation.
The Operations Building
The Operations Building is also called the powerhouse. It is a two-story building. This building helps control how the lock and dam work. It has a simple, practical design from the early 1900s.
Why Was It Built?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Lock and Dam No. 8 to make the Allegheny River easier to navigate. Before these structures, parts of the river were too shallow for large boats. The locks and dams create deeper, more stable water levels. This allows barges and other vessels to transport goods safely along the river. It was part of a larger system of locks and dams built on the Allegheny River.
A Historic Landmark
Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 8 is considered a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000. This means it is recognized as an important part of history. It helps us understand how people improved river travel in the past.
