Neck Canal of 1730 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Neck "Canal" of 1730
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Marcy, New York |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| Built | 1730 |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001011 |
| Added to NRHP | August 15, 1995 |
The Neck "Canal" of 1730 is a historic waterway located in Marcy, New York. It is what remains of a small "canal" that was dug way back in 1730. This canal was built to help boats travel more easily along the Mohawk River.
It was a short channel, dug by hand, that cut across a big bend in the river. These bends were called "oxbows" because they looked like the U-shaped part of an ox's yoke. The canal itself was about three feet deep, 20 feet wide, and 200 feet long.
Contents
What Was the Neck Canal?
The Neck "Canal" of 1730 is a special historic site in Marcy, New York. It is the remaining part of a small waterway that people dug in 1730. Its main job was to make it easier for boats to move along the Mohawk River.
The Mohawk River used to have many winding turns, like big loops, called "oxbows." These turns made it slow and hard for boats to travel. The Neck Canal was a shortcut that went right through one of these big bends.
Why Was This Canal Important?
In the 1700s and 1800s, rivers were like the highways of today. Boats carried goods and people from one place to another. When a river had too many sharp turns, it slowed down travel and made it harder for boats to pass.
Building a short canal like the Neck Canal helped boats save time and effort. It was a simple but smart way to improve travel and trade in the area.
How Was It Built?
This canal was dug completely by hand. Imagine people using shovels and other simple tools to dig a channel three feet deep and 20 feet wide! It was a big job for its time. The canal stretched for about 200 feet, connecting two parts of the river that were separated by a long bend.
A Piece of History
The Neck "Canal" of 1730 is recognized as an important part of history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it is a special place that is protected and remembered for its role in the past. It shows us how people in early America worked to make travel and trade better.
