Champlain Canal Collection

Mechanicville District Public Library

Champlain Barge Canal, Lock #2 area - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

Dates of Original:

c. 1910 - 1990

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Historical Context

The Champlain Canal is a 60-mile (97 km) canal that connects the south end of Lake Champlain to the Hudson River in New York. It was simultaneously constructed with the Erie Canal. The construction started in 1818 and the canal opened (officially) in 1823. The I.A Hodge & Co. won the contract to build Lock # 2. The company won the contract to construct the concrete lock chamber, the approach walls, the powerhouse, the storehouse, and the steel truss access road bridge. The excavation started in late November 1910.

Scope of Collection

The Champlain Canal Collection contains images of the construction of Lock # 2 on the Champlain Canal near Mechanicville, New York. The images in the collection show the construction and use of the cofferdam, the different types of steam equipment used, and some of the completed construction.