Lock 18 of Enlarged Erie Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lock 18 of Enlarged Erie Canal
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West end of lock, 2008
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| Location | Cohoes, NY |
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| Built | 1837-1842 |
| Architect | Holmes Hutchinson |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000526 |
| Added to NRHP | 1971 |
Lock 18 is an important part of the historic Erie Canal in Cohoes, New York. It was built to help boats travel along the canal. This lock is made from large stone blocks. These blocks are about 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. The entire lock is about 150 feet long. Even though its wooden gates are gone, Lock 18 still shows us how canals worked long ago.
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What is Lock 18?
Lock 18 is a special structure on the Erie Canal. It helped boats move between different water levels. Think of it like a water elevator for boats! It is located in Cohoes, New York. The lock is built from strong stone blocks. These blocks were carefully placed together. The lock is quite long, stretching about 150 feet.
Why Was Lock 18 Built?
Lock 18 was part of a big project. This project happened between 1837 and 1842. The goal was to make the Erie Canal wider and deeper. This "Enlarged Erie Canal" helped boats carry more goods. It also helped the canal compete with new railroads. The lock also created a new path for boats. This path avoided a difficult section of the canal. That old section was between Albany and Schenectady.
Who Designed the Lock?
A talented engineer named Holmes Hutchinson designed Lock 18. He planned all the locks for the canal in the 1830s. Later, he became the chief engineer for the canal. He even worked as a director for several railroads. His designs were very important for the canal's success.
The Canal's New Path
The canal's path changed a little in Cohoes. Today, North Mohawk Street follows the old canal route. Some parts of the original canal are still open. These parts helped power nearby watermills. They used the water flow to run machines. This was a common way to get power back then.
Visiting Lock 18 Today
Many locks from the Enlarged Erie Canal are still in Cohoes. Lock 18 is one of them. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This was because its stonework is still in great condition. Other locks in Cohoes were added to the Register in 2004.
You can visit Lock 18 and other locks. There is a trail along the old towpath. This path was once used by horses or mules to pull boats. Now, visitors can walk along it. There is also a small parking lot nearby. You can find an information sign there. It tells you more about the lock's history.
