e-mail

DELAWARE CANAL STATE PARK

Recognizing the Delaware Canal's great value as a historical, recreational and envioronmental resource, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired the waterway and its structures in 1940. Originally named Roosevelt State Park, in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, it was renamed the Delaware Canal State Park in 1989.

In addition to being a state park, the Delaware Canal is a National Historic Landmark, a National Recreation Trail and part of the 150-mile long Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Park.

During the 19th century, there were more than 4,000 miles of canals in America. Today, the Delaware Canal stands as the only towpath canal in this country still capable of being fully watered. Used primarily to transport products from the interior sections of Pennsylvania to Philadelphia and New York City, the Delaware Canal parallels the shallow Delaware River from Easton to Bristol. It was dug by hand between 1827 and 1832 and remained in commercial operation until 1932.

Along this 60 mile long waterway, Mule-drawn boats were lowered 165 feet as they passed through 23 lift locks, two outlet locks and two guard locks. The trip took about 48 hours; mules were changed three or four times along the way.¹

Prepared by:
Nancy C. Benner
P.O. Box 235
Revere PA 18953
bucks76@epix.net