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
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