THE CANAL TODAY

When did the government acquire the Canal?
1938

When did the Canal become a National Park?
1971

How many acres does the Canal own?
approximately 12,000 acres

What is the condition of the Canal today?
much intact; presently undergoing stabilization and restoration

CONSTRUCTION

When was construction started?
July 4, 1828

When was the Canal completed?
October 10, 1850

What was the cost of the Canal?
About $14 million

How many years did it take to build the Canal?
22 years

How many people comprised the labor force?
4,000 workmen at the height

DIMENSIONS AND STRUCTURES

How long is the Canal?
184.5 miles long

How deep is the Canal?
6 feet deep

How wide is the Canal?
60 to 80 feet depending upon the section

How wide is the towpath?
originally 12ft wide, now 7ft in some areas

What is the distance in elevation?
605 feet

How many locks are on the Canal?
74 lift locks

What are the dimensions of the locks?
100 ft long; 14 ft wide; 16 ft deep

What was the size of the boats?
90 ft long with a 125 ton capacity

How big was the family’s cabin on the boat?
12x12 feet

How many dams were built along the Canal?
7 dams

How many aqueducts were built along the Canal?
11 aqueducts

How many culverts were built along the Canal?
over 150 culverts

What are the dimensions of the Paw Paw Tunnel?
3,118ft long; 27ft wide; 24ft high

How long did it take to construct the tunnel?
8 years, an average of 1ft per day

OPERATION

What were the years of operation?
1850-1924

How long was the journey down the Canal?
average of 7 days, working 18 hours a day

How many trips did a boat take per year?
average of 25 trips a year

How much coal did a boat take per trip?
about 100-120 tons

How much money did a boat make per trip?
$25 for 100 tons

When was the peak year of the Canal?
1871 with 850,000 tons of coal transported

How many boats operated on the Canal?
800 during peak operating years

How many mules worked on the Canal?
2,000 during that same time

What was the speed limit on the Canal?
about 4 MPH

How long does it take to "lock through"?
approximately 10 minutes

How long is the towline?
100 ft long

THE MULES

A mule is a cross between what two animals?
a female horse and a male donkey

How many mules needed per boat?
2 sets of 2 or 3 mules

How long did the mules work before they needed a break?
6 hours

What did the mules eat?
hay and other grains