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?
 
 

From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Marty Pickands
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 4:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]
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
From: A LISTSERV list for discussions pertaining to New York State history. <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Chris Andrle <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, November 5, 2016 6:01:15 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [NYHIST-L] Original Erie Canal Lock Size
 
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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