Thanks for the response. Maps and plans are widely
available. It seems clear that the original lock size was 15 x 90 feet,
however not much is said about the boats. Whitfield doesn't really mention them.
I'm guessing that the widespread online statement that they were limited to 7 x
61 feet is incorrect. The Canal Boat Primer published by the Erie
Canal Museum in Syracuse has a diagram which shows the pre-enlargement
canal boats being limited to 14 x 75 feet which seems more realistic, allowing
for 6 inches of clearance on either side. But what limits a boat to 75 feet in
length in a 90 foot lock? Is it the space required to open the
gates?
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 4:22 PM
Subject: Re: [NYHIST-L] Original Erie Canal Lock
Size
Go to the NYS Archives in Albany and you will find anything you want:
maps,plans of locks, later construction photos, etc. Also check Noble
Whitfield's history of the canal system.
Sent using OWA for iPhone
I've found a large number of references online which
state that the
original size of the Erie Canal locks was 90 feet by 15 feet,
built to
accommodate boats of 61 feet by 7 feet. I can't find a
primary source to
confirm this. Is it true that boats on the original
(pre-enlargement) canal
were limited to 61 by 7 feet, and if so, why, if the
locks were 90 by 15
feet? Thanks.
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