Several weeks ago I had shared a photo of an old tunnel located in my hometown and I said I would post additional photos in the future. I put together this collage of several photos showing you the beautiful Union Canal Tunnel Park. Plans were in the making as early as 1790 and digging actually began in 1792. The digging and drilling was all done by hand with the help of gun powder to clear rock and other heavy debris. In 1793 because of financial problems, worked was stopped. George Washington came to the area to check things out and finally money was provided to continue once again. The goal was to create a canal by which several counties could be connected, making it possible to transport necessary goods via canal boats. Along the canal they also built locks which allowed for the raising and lowering of water levels so the barges could pass. In 1827 one of the last legs of the canal was completed, connecting the last several counties. The photos I have posted are of the last section of the canal. Today it provides for a beautiful walking path and fishing, and several times a year they have Union Canal Days and they provide rides up and down the canal via more modern canal boats. It is a neat experience. In the Fall, this area proves to be one of my favorite photo opps. It lights up with the beautiful colors of Fall. A long section of the canal had been closed throughout the years because of the introduction of the railroad system. The street I live on, Canal St, was actaully built on the old canal.
what a peaceful, beautiful place! i love the fact that george washington came and gave the 'go-ahead' to finish this! i am a huge GW fan.
love the collage featuring this lovely place!
Great story and wonderful pictures. I liked reading about the role George Washinton played in the development of the canal. I remember a visit to Berkley Springs, WV where George Washington had 'taken the waters" It really makes an impression on you.
Such a beautiful collection of photos! (The spider was a cobweb funnel spider, or more commonly referred to as a grass spider... huge cone shaped posterior.)
love the collage featuring this lovely place!
I do remember the chest machines for Coca-Cola!! Maybe I can one of those one day too!!
We hired a canal boat in UK in 2008 and had a week cruising up the Lancaster Canal - just a wonderful exerience!