Although fascinating, canal history remains one of the hidden stories of America's past. Yet canals were integral to the country's growth, providing the first long-distance "highways" that penetrated America's interior. Their importance was short-lived but came at a time when the United States was establishing itself as an industrial power. Without canals and their ability to transfer natural resources, manufactured products, and thousands of immigrants seeking a new life, America's transition from a farm-based economy to one based on heavy industry would have been delayed by several decades.
Death of a Giant: 25th Anniversary Commemoration of the “Last Cast” at Bethlehem Steel
Posted November 18, 2020 by Daphne MayerOn today's #WaybackWednesday, we're commemorating the 25th anniversary of the "Last Cast" at Bethlehem Steel, which marked the beginning of…
On this Veterans Day, we salute the men and women who served as members of the United States Armed Forces. …
Museum Monday: Diving into the Life of a Railroad Worker
Posted November 9, 2020 by Daphne MayerIt's #MuseumMonday! As part of an ongoing NEHGrant project, we're diving into the archival collections here at the National Canal…
National Mule Day: Mules Victorious!
Today, October 26, is National Mule Day. Like our beloved “boys” George and Hank, most mules…
Taking Stock
Before the days when you could manage your stock portfolio with the click of a button, shareholders were issued…
50th Anniversary Reflections: 20 Years of Canal Festivals
Posted October 7, 2020 by Daphne MayerOn June 29, 1980, a conch horn blast by former mule boy, boat captain and locktender Ted Sherman opened the…
The dam on the Lehigh River near the Locktender's House in Hugh Moore Park is undoubtedly picturesque, but why is…
The hunt for the site of Delaware Canal Lock 1
The Delaware Canal is the longest towpath canal still in existence,…
