Historical Trails of Eastern Pennsylvania by Anthony D. Fredericks

Author:Anthony D. Fredericks [Fredericks, Anthony D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-58157-727-3
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2013-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

A historical marker—the only remnant of a bygone era

As you tour this small but informative museum, you will be introduced to a variety of displays and exhibits on the history of the canal system, how canals were built, the different types of canal boats, how boats were loaded and unloaded, how the locks worked, what tools were used, how bridges were negotiated, and how tillers were used. Kids can even build their own canals and construct their own aqueducts.

One of the things you will learn here is that the barges on the canal were in essence floating boxes. Although they varied in size and shape, the early canal boats were all pulled by mules or horses along a towpath. The shape of these canal boats reflected the purpose for which they were built—to carry cargo. This meant they had rounded bows to maximize cargo space in the hull, which made them cheaper to build. Most of the boats used in Pennsylvania’s canals ranged from 60 to 90 feet long and about 10 to 14 feet wide. Although most of the boats were designed for carrying cargo, others were designed for passengers. The passenger-carrying “packet boats” had a sharper bow—allowing it to cut through the water and give it greater speed.

There were even some boats especially crafted for traveling merchants and entertainers. These included “medicine shows” offering medical concoctions and remedies fortified with dubious claims of effectiveness. There was also the famous Spaulding and Rogers Floating Palace Circus—complete with clowns, trained ponies, and an aging lion.

The highlight of a visit here is an opportunity to ride on a mule-pulled canal boat (The Josiah White II) on a portion of the Lehigh Canal. The canal was originally constructed between 1827 and 1829 and extended 47 miles from Mauch Chunk (now Jim Thorpe) down to Easton. Here, the Lehigh Canal connected with the Delaware Canal to Philadelphia and with the Morris Canal to New York. This canal system was vital to the transport of anthracite coal and the rise of the anthracite iron industry. The canal was in operation for nearly a century; the section used for your ride was fully restored in 1976.

Mules are the preferred locomotion for these massive boats for one simple reason—mules are smarter than horses. It seems that horses have an inclination to go into the water, whereas mules do not. Thus, if you’re walking some animals down a waterway and want to avoid stoppages, it’s a good idea to use mules.

Shortly after I climb aboard the Josiah White II, the mules arrive and are hitched up to the boat. The single line tightens and we’re off … at a top speed of 2 miles per hour. The two mules strain against the rope and slowly we inch away from the dock. Our captain holds the tiller firmly in his hands and gently guides the boat into the center of the canal. Our guide, Sarah, tells us that the mules’ job is actually “a walk in the park.” Mules, she tells us, can work for 18 hours a day, every day, for their entire lives.

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