Three Locks, Ohio facts for kids
Three Locks is a small place located in Ross County, in the state of Ohio. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
This community was once an important spot along the Ohio and Erie Canal, a famous waterway that helped transport goods across Ohio a long time ago.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Three Locks is a group of homes and businesses that are not part of an official city or village. Instead, they are usually governed by the county they are in.
- People living in these areas still have access to services.
- These services are provided by the county government.
- This setup is common in many parts of the United States.
The Ohio and Erie Canal's Importance
Three Locks was located right on the Ohio and Erie Canal. This canal was a huge project built in the 1800s. It connected Lake Erie in the north to the Ohio River in the south.
How the Canal Worked
The canal was like a water highway. Boats pulled by mules or horses carried all sorts of goods.
- They transported farm products like grain and corn.
- They also moved coal, lumber, and manufactured goods.
- The canal helped Ohio's economy grow very quickly.
Locks on the Canal
The "locks" in "Three Locks" refer to special sections of the canal. These locks were like water elevators. They helped boats move up or down between different water levels.
- A lock is a chamber with gates at both ends.
- Water is either added or removed from the chamber.
- This raises or lowers the boat to the next water level.
- The Ohio and Erie Canal had many locks along its path.
Three Locks Today
Today, the Ohio and Erie Canal is no longer used for shipping. Parts of it have been preserved as historical sites or turned into trails. Three Locks remains a quiet community, a reminder of Ohio's canal era.
