| The Ohio and Erie Canal opened in Canal Winchester in 1831. The canal was a boon to the area’s economy as agricultural produce could be more easily shipped a great distance to eastern markets. Pictured here is the canal in downtown Canal Winchester. The High Street bridge and a canal boat can be seen in the center of the photo while the towpath is visible on the left. Boat traffic ceased on the canal in the early 20th century and the state drained its waters in 1911. If you visit downtown Canal Winchester today you can see where the canal passed through town as the canal route is marked with paving bricks on High Street. Included in this commemoration is a brick outline of a canal boat in the street as well as a brick outline of the old Interurban electric rail tracks. |
